Singapore invites proposals on autonomous shipping, kicks off maritime startup competition

[SINGAPORE] The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) and port operator PSA Singapore (PSA) are seeking proposals for an autonomous shipping system that will move containers between the Republic’s port gateways.

The two entities on Wednesday (Apr 22) launched an expression of interest (EOI), as part of their efforts to adopt autonomous technologies in maritime operations.

In a joint statement, they said the EOI welcomes proposals on establishing and testing autonomous feeder vessels that will transport containers between different port gateways within Singapore’s waters.

The invitation includes provisions for a remote operations centre that will utilise vessel sensors and port traffic data, and be the linchpin of a core safety and assurance system for autonomous vessel operations.

In their proposals, applicants should cover key areas such as navigational safety, interaction with conventional vessels, traffic management and cybersecurity, among others. They must also include “viable business models” to ensure they meet operational and integration requirements.

The Port of Singapore is the collective term for the country’s maritime terminals.

As part of transhipment and cargo flows, containers are moved between the terminals – for example, between Pasir Panjang and Tuas. This can be done with smaller sea-going craft, known as feeder vessels, or by land using prime movers.

Startup challenge

Also on Wednesday, the 10th edition of the Pier71 Smart Port Challenge kicked off, with 200 international startups, investors and industry partners at the launch event.

The competition is designed to help maritime startups scale, and this year’s edition features new initiatives to aid their development: Mentors-in-Residence Plus, which pairs sector mentors with the companies; and Venture2Capital, which connects investors and startups.

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The challenge is also targeting key markets such as China, India, South Korea, France, the Netherlands, Spain, the UK and the US.

Shortlisted startups will participate in a 10-week accelerator programme, which provides mentorship, workshops and opportunities for market validation. Cash prizes will be awarded to the top performers.

After the programme, the companies may apply for MPA’s Maritime Innovation and Technology Fund to further their proofs-of-concept, pilot projects and product development.

Applications for the challenge are open until Jun 15.

On Tuesday, Singapore launched its digital platform for the maritime sector, Oceans-X, that will enable more electronic services and port efficiency through shared application programming interfaces and data sets.

The Republic also unveiled its updated maritime technology road map to guide development in key areas, including autonomous port operations.

These announcements were made at Singapore Maritime Week 2026, which is organised by MPA and runs until Friday at the Suntec Singapore Convention and Exhibition Centre.