MPA and PSA Launch Port Technology Research and Development Programme.
Apr 13, 2011
Singapore – (ASIATODAY) – MPA and PSA Launch Port Technology Research and Development Programme. Both parties will collaborate to conduct research and test bed new technologies for future container terminals
Paving the way for more technologically advanced container terminals in Singapore, the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) and PSA Corporation Limited (PSA) jointly launched the Port Technology Research and Development Programme today through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).
The MOU was signed by MPA Chief Executive Mr Lam Yi Young and Mr Tan Puay Hin, Regional CEO Southeast Asia, PSA International. The signing was witnessed by Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Transport, Mr Choi Shing Kwok, who was the Guest-of-Honour at the opening ceremony of the International Maritime-Port Technology and Development Conference 2011, which was held in conjunction with the 6th Singapore Maritime Week. Joining Mr Choi to witness the signing were Mr Lucien Wong, Chairman of MPA and Mr Fock Siew Wah, Group Chairman of PSA International.
The five-year Port Technology Research and Development Programme will focus on three broad areas, namely automated container port systems, advanced container port optimisation techniques and technologies, and green port technologies. The Programme will see MPA, PSA, equipment and technology providers, local institutes of higher learning and other companies coming together to develop advanced port technologies for Singapore’s container terminals.
MPA will fund the Programme with up to S$10 million over five years from the Maritime Innovation and Technology Fund (MINT Fund). PSA, together with local institutes of higher learning and other industry partners will provide co-funding and in-kind resources of up to S$10 million over the same period.
A key project that would be undertaken by PSA under the new MOU is the development of Automated Guided Vehicles (or AGVs) for future container terminals to reduce manpower and improve port productivity. PSA will also seek and adapt new technologies to develop more intelligent systems that will streamline port planning processes and operations. These seek to further raise the value-add of employees and overall productivity.
“For the world’s busiest transhipment hub, technology is vital in ensuring that its terminal customers are served seamlessly, efficiently and effectively round the clock. Through this Programme, MPA hopes that Singapore will continue to be at the forefront of technology in port operations and services adding to its development and growth as an international maritime centre,” said Mr Lam.
Said Mr Tan, “This MOU Programme will create new opportunities for collaboration with MPA and our industry partners to jointly develop more innovative port management solutions and tools. PSA is fully committed to propel itself to reach higher levels of productivity and effectiveness to serve our customers.”
Jointly issued by the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore and PSA Corporation Limited.
About the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA)
The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) was established on 2 February 1996, with the mission to develop Singapore as a premier global hub port and international maritime centre (IMC), and to advance and safeguard Singapore’s strategic maritime interests. MPA is the driving force behind Singapore’s port and maritime development, taking on the roles of Port Authority, Port Regulator, Port Planner, IMC Champion, and National Maritime Representative. MPA partners the industry and other agencies to enhance safety, security and environmental protection in our port waters, facilitate port operations and growth, expand the cluster of maritime ancillary services, and promote maritime R&D and manpower development.
About PSA Corporation Limited (PSA)
PSA operates the world’s largest container transhipment hub in Singapore. It links shippers to an excellent network of major shipping lines with connections to 600 ports in 123 countries. Shippers have access to daily sailings to every major port in the world at this mega hub. Its excellence in port operations has consistently been recognised by the shipping community. In 2010, it was voted the “Best Container Terminal (Asia)” for the 21st time at the Asian Freight and Supply Chain Awards and “Container Terminal of the Year” for the 4th time at the Supply Chain Asia Logistics Awards. PSA Singapore Terminals handled 27.68 million TEUs of containers in 2010. Website: www.singaporepsa.com