The Singapore Registry of Ships (SRS) is set to bolster its capabilities with a new digital registration system, marking its 60th anniversary. Announced at the SRS Forum on 2 October 2026, the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) plans to launch this system in the first half of 2027. The system aims to streamline the registration process for shipowners and agents, integrating application submission to certificate issuance, and incorporating artificial intelligence to expedite processing times from days to mere minutes.
The SRS, established in 1966, has grown to over 4,400 vessels, reaching a record 137 million gross tonnage by the end of 2025. This positions Singapore as the world’s fourth-largest ship registry. The fleet is also the youngest among the top ten global registries, with an average vessel age of 11 years. The registry continues to excel under international standards, qualifying for the United States Coast Guard’s QUALSHIP 21 programme.
In response to the industry’s shift towards alternative fuels, the SRS has registered eight methanol-fuelled vessels since 2020 and anticipates its first ammonia dual-fuelled vessel next month. Additionally, 74 vessels from 28 companies have been recognised under MPA’s Green Ship Programme for exceeding environmental regulations.
The forum also celebrated local maritime talent, with 13 seafarers acknowledged under the Sail Milestone Achievement Programme (SailMAP). Since 2022, SailMAP has supported over 100 seafarers in advancing their shipboard skills, reinforcing Singapore’s maritime workforce.
