MPA to call for maritime innovation and technology project proposals in May

THE Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) will issue a call in May for research project proposals under its S$200 million Maritime Innovation & Technology (MINT) Fund.

MPA's assistant chief executive, M Segar, making the announcement on Tuesday at the Maritime Sustainability Forum, said industry players will be invited to submit project proposals relating to key themes of potential research, test-bedding, and product development under the MINT Fund.

Capt Segar also indicated priority will be given to projects aiming to develop innovative solutions under several focus areas: future logistics, drone technology, ballast water, emerging frontiers, data analytics, and harbourcraft productivity. The call for proposals will open in May and close in August this year.

MINT Fund was established to support development programmes for the maritime technology cluster. It is available to companies that are incorporated in Singapore and engaged in either R&D into or test-bedding in Singapore of new or better products, processes and applications relevant to the maritime industry.

MPA last week said it will commit a further S$50 million to the MINT Fund and extend its term to 2021. The total amount allocated to the fund will stand at S$200 million after the top-up.

The Maritime Sustainability Forum, which took place under the auspices of the Singapore Maritime Week 2016, was jointly organised by MPA and the Embassy of Norway in Singapore and Innovation Norway.