Page 7 - SG Nautilus Issue 47.indb

ISSUE 47 PAGE 5

SHIP’S LOG NEWS

SINGAPORE MARITIME LECTURE 2020
The 14th Singapore Maritime Lecture took place on September 2,
as the first of a three-part Maritime Perspectives webinar series

organised by the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA).
More than 420 participants from 22 countries tuned in to hear
Mr Ravi Menon, Managing Director of the Monetary Authority
of Singapore, speak on the topic “Down But Not Out: Resilience
in a Post-COVID World”. Mr Menon shared insights on how the
pandemic has changed trade patterns and supply chains. To
thrive in a post-COVID-19 world, he advised the maritime industry
to develop “resilient supply chains” that are diverse, fl exible and
integrated; grow a “resilient industry” through digitalisation; build a
“resilient workforce” to cope with technological changes; and drive During the webinar, the signing of a Memorandum of
sustainability to foster a “resilient planet”. Understanding between MPA and DBS Bank took place,
The talk segued into a panel discussion about exploiting new witnessed by Mr Menon. The intent of the document was to
opportunities and transforming the industry to build resilience for drive digitalisation and innovation of fi nancial services and
the future. Joining Mr Menon on the panel were Mr Wan Chee Foong, payment transactions across the maritime industry. “This
Regional CEO of Middle East South Asia & Head of Group Business partnership between MPA and DBS is timely as the maritime
Development, PSA International; and Mr Steve Saxon, Expert Partner, industry accelerates digitalisation for a post-COVID-19 economy.
McKinsey. Mr Menon highlighted the importance of “going digital Our collaborative efforts to trial digital solutions for fi nancial

to the core” and striving for end-to-end digitalisation to overcome services and payment transactions will enhance effi ciency in

inefficiencies and enhance productivity along the value chain. He also business transactions and improve cash fl ow, particularly for
emphasised the need for system integration and interoperability. our maritime SMEs. A digitally enabled Maritime Singapore
Mr Wan advocated the reskilling of the workforce to raise the digital will strengthen the competitiveness of our hub port and
quotient of employees and enable them to take on high-value jobs. International Maritime Centre, allowing Singapore to remain an
Mr Saxon encouraged maritime companies to partner start-ups important sea transport hub that is ready to serve the needs of
and Internet players, as he believes that collaboration is the key to global trade,” said Ms Tan Beng Tee, Assistant Chief Executive
remove inefficiencies in the global supply chain. (Development) of MPA.

EIGHT COUNTRIES GATHER TO ENCOURAGE DEVELOPMENT OF MARITIME AUTONOMOUS SURFACE SHIPS
interact with many stakeholders and systems. Vessels and
ports must be equipped with infrastructure that have common
terminology, form, and standards for seamless operation.
• Facilitate port-to-port MASS trials: Facilitate MASS trials
to emulate the international nature of shipping, with the
objective of validating the proposed guidelines and conditions
for MASS trials, and the interoperability of port-based
systems. This allows the network to identify and address
additional challenges of operating MASS at various ports.
MASSPorts is a network of like-minded states and organisations On August 4, representatives from fl ag, coastal, and
that are working towards the alignment of standards for the port authorities from China, Denmark, Finland, Japan, the
trialling and operation of Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships Netherlands, Norway, Republic of Korea, and Singapore met
(MASS) in ports. The network’s objectives are to: to launch the MASSPorts initiative virtually. Also in attendance
• Develop detailed guidelines and conditions for MASS trials in were representatives from IMO, International Association of
port: MASSPorts should endeavour to agree on conditions Marine Aids to Navigation and Lighthouse Authorities, as well
for MASS trials within their ports, which are in line with the as International Association of Ports and Harbors.
International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) interim guidelines “Autonomous navigation is an important part of our plans to be
for MASS trials. a future-ready port. We see MASS having the potential to enhance
• Establish common terminology, form, and standards of navigational safety and increase productivity. We are glad to work
communication, ship reporting, and data exchange to enhance with like-minded international partners who are aligned in shaping

interoperability of systems across different ports: International the future of international shipping,” said Ms Quah Ley Hoon,

transit of vessels involves calls at different ports where vessels Chief Executive of the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore.