MPA and PSA extend Memorandum of Understanding
The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) and PSA Corporation Limited (PSA) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) today to extend their collaboration under the Port Technology Research and Development Programme (PTRDP). The extension of the Programme will allow MPA and PSA to continue with research and development (R&D) initiatives to develop next-generation technologies for Singapore's future container terminal operations, MPA said in its press release.
The MOU was signed by MPA Chief Executive, Mr Andrew Tan and Mr Tan Puay Hin, Regional CEO Southeast Asia, PSA International. Witnessing the signing of the MOU were MPA Chairman, Mr Lucien Wong, Mr Fock Siew Wah, Group Chairman, PSA International and Mr Tan Chong Meng, Group CEO, PSA International. The signing was held at the Singapore Maritime Institute's Automation & Autonomy Seminar, in conjunction with the 9th Singapore Maritime Week.
Under the MOU, MPA will fund the Programme an additional S$15 million over five years from the Maritime Innovation and Technology Fund (MINT Fund). PSA will provide additional co-funding of up to S$15 million over the same period. This will bring the total amount committed towards the Programme to S$50 million, up from the initial S$20 million.
The Programme will continue its focus on the key areas of port automation, intelligent planning and control systems, and green port solutions. Relevant concepts inspired from the Next Generation Container Port Challenge in 2012 will also be explored.
Mr Andrew Tan said, "With growing demands on ports to accommodate ever larger ships and growing amounts of cargo, it is imperative that we leverage on new technologies to increase our port efficiency and productivity. Through co-funding of such R&D efforts, we hope to see the adoption of new systems and technologies that will significantly enhance the competitiveness of Singapore as a global transhipment hub and bring benefits to the rest of the industry."
"PSA is pleased to continue this partnership with MPA, as we gear up for the development of the future terminals at Pasir Panjang Phases 3 and 4 as well as Tuas. The innovative technologies developed under the Programme will transform our terminal operations, and take our productivity and process efficiency to new heights. We will be better prepared to manage greater business complexities, as our customers' requirements evolve. This will also enhance the value proposition of Singapore as a global transhipment hub." said Mr Tan Puay Hin.
In April 2011, the PTRDP saw MPA and PSA, along with technology providers, local Institutes of Higher Learning and other companies, coming together to develop advanced technologies for Singapore's container terminals. The initial S$20 million funding earmarked under the PTRDP has since been committed towards research and test-bedding projects on AGV systems, yard crane automation and wharf automation.