THE Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) has signed five memorandums of understanding (MOUs) with local and international partners at the Singapore Maritime Technology Conference (SMTC) on Thursday.

These MOUs aim to catalyse research, innovation, and pilot adoption of emerging technologies and enhance information flow and connectivity within the maritime community.

The five MOUs are:

MPA-PSA MOU extension of the MPA-PSA port technology research and development programme

MPA-Jurong Port MOU on next generation multipurpose port programme

MPA-ST Electronics MOU on maritime R&D and innovation

MPA-Lloyd's Register MOU on maritime technologies R&D

MOU between MPA, Alpha Ori, Lloyd's Register, and NUS' Technology Centre for Offshore and Marine to jointly establish a centre of innovation for joint research

Andrew Tan, chief executive of MPA, said: "These MOUs are in line with our efforts to take the maritime sector into its next stage of development, where data analytics, intelligent systems, and the Internet of Things will open up new opportunities for our port operators such as PSA and Jurong Port, and Singapore-based companies and research institutes to develop innovative solutions.

"We believe the time is ripe to leverage new technologies to ensure Maritime Singapore stays ahead of the curve as a world-class port and international maritime centre."