MPA and Port of Rotterdam Authority to continue cooperation in information exchange and R&D

The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) and Port of Rotterdam Authority (PoR) renewed their Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on cooperation in Information Exchange and Research and Development (R&D) today, at the sidelines of the 4th Port Authorities Roundtable (PAR) held in Long Beach, USA from 16 to 18 July 2018. The Port of Long Beach is the first USA port to host PAR, MPA said in its press release.

2 Since the commencement of the MoU in 2015, MPA and PoR have been working together in key areas such as maritime cybersecurity, LNG bunkering and Next Generation Vessel Traffic Management Systems. The renewal of the MoU, signed by Mr Andrew Tan, Chief Executive of MPA and Mr Allard Castelein, Chief Executive Officer of PoR, seeks to further the collaboration between the two counterparts in port digitalisation, port services, port safety and operations and handling of autonomous vessels in port.

3 Mr Tan said, “This renewal of the MoU between PoR and MPA reaffirms the commitment of both parties to jointly collaborate and exchange best practices and new ideas. Collaboration in maritime cybersecurity, LNG bunkering and innovation not only fosters partnerships between MPA and PoR, but also benefits the maritime innovation ecosystem.”

4 “In a rapidly changing world, it has become more important than ever to join forces with other international partners to see how we can make our ports better, safer, smarter and more efficient. This renewed Memorandum of Understanding between the MPA and PoR is a good example of this. Together, we are working on the port of the future by exchanging knowledge,” said Mr Castelein.

4th Port Authorities’ Roundtable

5 Inaugurated by MPA in 2015, PAR is a key platform for leaders of port authorities to gather and discuss key issues of mutual interest, exchange best practices and promote closer collaboration. PAR 2018 was hosted by Long Beach with the theme “The Port of the Future” and topics discussed included optimising port operations of the future, integrating ports and cities: sustainability & stewardship, protecting ports in the future and preparing the workforce of the future. PAR2018 saw a total of 14 participating port authorities, including Shanghai Municipal Transportation Commission, Montreal Port Authority and Barcelona Port Authority which participated for the first time.

6 Mr Patrick Verhoeven, Managing Director of the International Association of Ports and Harbours (IAPH), was the guest speaker at the event and spoke on the “Emerging Trends Affecting Port Authorities”. He said “Geo-political developments, shipping strategies, digitisation and climate change present multiple challenges for port authorities worldwide. Through leadership in sustainability and deeper forms of cross-border cooperation, port authorities will be in a stronger position to meet these trends and secure prosperity for their local communities.”

7 Mr Tan delivered a segment on “Digital Strategies for Next Generation Port”. He shared on MPA’s latest digitalisation initiatives in the areas of port, shipping and services. He also spoke about PIER71, MPA’s Maritime Technology Acceleration Programme and MPA Living Lab as a platform to experiment with new concepts of operations.

8 “This gathering of leaders from the world’s most esteemed port authorities helps all of us pursue that goal of making a better future for our ports and the economies and communities we serve,” said Mr Mario Cordero, Executive Director, Port of Long Beach.

9. Mr Xiao Hui, Director for Comprehensive Planning Division from the Shanghai Municipal Transportation Commission said, “The Shanghai Port is very glad to attend PAR for the first time. We have learnt from the experience of each port and look forward to promote common port initiatives through further collaboration.”

10 “We would like to thank the Port of Long Beach for hosting PAR 2018 and we are pleased to welcome new participants, namely Port of Shanghai, Port of Montreal and Port of Barcelona this year. With PAR participants bringing with them their expertise and ideas, we look forward to the continued collaborations between like-minded ports for PAR to be a high-level key platform to exchange best practices, new ideas and solutions. These exchanges are key in light of emerging trends such as the automation and digitalisation of the industry as well as maritime talent issues that are affecting port authorities,” said Mr Tan.