The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) has introduced two new initiatives to update operations and technology use in the maritime sector. The first is the launch of OCEANS-X, a platform designed to improve digital connectivity and data sharing across the industry. The second is a partnership with the Singapore Shipping Association (SSA) aimed at helping maritime companies integrate artificial intelligence (AI) into their daily workflows.
OCEANS-X serves as a data and Application Programming Interface (API) exchange platform. It allows shipping companies, agents, and government agencies to connect their internal software directly to the MPA’s systems. One immediate application of this platform is digital port clearance, which lets users transmit necessary clearance documents directly without relying on intermediary web portals. Furthermore, it supports the electronic exchange of ship certificates between global partner ports, reducing the need for manual checks and physical paperwork.
Currently, the OCEANS-X platform provides access to over 100 datasets and APIs. These datasets offer practical, real-time information such as vessel arrival and departure schedules, standardized port codes, and the precise positions of vessels within Singapore’s waters. By making this data accessible, the MPA allows industry developers, researchers, and startups to build and deploy their own digital services, including specialized analytics and new AI tools.
To further support the implementation of these new technologies, the MPA and the SSA signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) focused specifically on AI adoption. This agreement is designed to help maritime businesses apply AI to core operational functions, including ship management, chartering, and bunkering. Under this partnership, companies can access a database of existing AI use cases to see how the technology works in practice, and they can use AI Singapore’s AI Readiness Index to evaluate their current systems and plan their next steps.
To ensure the workforce is prepared for these changes, the partnership includes practical training and education. The MPA and SSA are working with educational institutes to create programs that teach employees the skills necessary to work alongside new AI tools. An initial training run has already begun with 21 participating companies, with a full program rollout scheduled for later in 2026. In addition, the organizations will host a Maritime AI Forum in the second half of 2026 to discuss real-world applications and practical use cases with the broader industry.