TWO new platforms are being developed to help ensure Singapore's maritime sector is ready for digital transformation.

Coordinating Minister for Infrastructure Khaw Boon Wan said at the opening ceremony of SEA Asia 2017 on Tuesday that the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore is developing the Maritime Single Window, which will provide a single portal access for submitting documents for port clearance.

Mr Khaw who is also Minister for Transport, highlighted another cross-government effort directed at developing the next-generation national trade platform.

This second one-stop integrated, digital platform will connect shippers, shipping lines, the port, government agencies and logistics players.

Mr Khaw remarked that the initiatives will deepen collaboration along supply chains and strengthen linkages within the trade, shipping and logistics eco-systems in Singapore.

They will enable Singapore to play a bigger role in new areas such as e-fulfilment and multi-modal connectivity.

The minister explained that superior connectivity these days "will be measured in multi-modal terms ... and may be as much digital as physical".

"Digitisation is disrupting and transforming global transportation and supply chains. The lines between shipping, e-commerce and logistics are blurring," he said.

SEA Asia is held every other year under the auspices of Singapore Maritime Week.