A new Maritime Technology Cluster Development Roadmap was announced by Mr Peter Ong, Chairman of the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) at the opening ceremony of the 2nd International Conference on Port and Maritime Research & Development and Technology (ICPMRDT) held this morning at the Pan Pacific Hotel. The new initiative is part of MPA's ongoing efforts to build a vibrant and strong maritime technology cluster to further develop Singapore as a Centre of Excellence for Port and Maritime Research & Development (R&D). Port and maritime R&D and technology is one of the key driving forces for Singapore's growth as an International Maritime Centre. Maritime Technology Cluster Development Roadmap In his opening address, Mr Ong mentioned that the port and maritime sector should harness the potential of maritime R&D and technology to develop innovative solutions so as to meet global challenges such as port efficiency, maritime safety and security, environmental protection as well as manpower and training related issues. The potential of the maritime R&D and technology sector is significant as it has a worldwide market. Therefore, Singapore must position itself to contribute and benefit from this potential. To spearhead this drive, the Maritime R&D Advisory Panel formed by the MPA in March 2002 has developed a Maritime Technology Cluster Development Roadmap. Two key thrusts are the enhancement of maritime R&D capability in the tertiary and research institutes (TRIs) and the development a strong technology cluster in the port and maritime industry. Five broad areas have been identified for development in the Roadmap, namely, maritime transport and logistics; marine environment and resources; offshore and marine engineering, ship, terminal, port operations and security; maritime IT and communications. Enhancing Maritime R&D Capability of Tertiary and Research Institutes The first thrust is the enhancement of maritime R&D capability of the TRIs. One of the new programmes is the establishment of the Maritime Technology Professorships in our local universities. This programme is expected to commence in 2004 and will help to attract renowned maritime technology experts as visiting professors to initiate and participate in joint university-industry R&D. Through this programme, the MPA aims to further raise Singapore's level of knowledge and expertise in maritime technologies. Other efforts to raise maritime R&D capability of the TRIs include collaborative efforts in R&D with established institutions overseas such as the Research Council of Norway and the US Coast Guard Research Centre, and the industry in R&D projects with commercial potential. Strengthening the Technology Cluster in the Port and Maritime Industry The second thrust under the Roadmap is to develop a strong technology cluster in the port and maritime industry. To encourage researchers and start-ups to translate novel R&D ideas into commercially viable maritime-related products and services, the MPA and Economic Development Board (EDB) have jointly established a programme for the R&D, testbedding and deployment of innovative maritime technologies. The Test-bedding, Research and Innovation Development for New-maritime Technologies (TRIDENT) Programme seeks to encourage both local and foreign companies to undertake R&D, develop innovations and to use our port and maritime facilities as test-beds for these innovations. For projects that are relevant and of interest to the MPA, we will participate as an R&D partner and co-fund them. Maritime Innovation and Technology (MINT) Fund To support the programmes and schemes under the Maritime Technology Cluster Development Roadmap, the MPA has established a S$100 million Maritime Innovation and Technology (MINT) Fund over the next 10 years. Of the S$100 million, S$50 million will be used to fund the programmes and schemes for the enhancement of maritime capabilities in Singapore. The other S$50 million will be used to strengthen the technology cluster in the industry. The MINT Fund will help to further MPA's vision to develop a technology cluster that is in the same league as that in leading maritime nations such as Norway and the Netherlands. More than 80 maritime experts from around the world have gathered in Singapore to share their invaluable insights on the challenges of port and maritime R&D and technology in the next decade at the ICPMRDT from 10-12 Sep 03. Jointly organised by the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA), Nanyang Technological University (NTU), National University of Singapore (NUS), Ngee Ann Polytechnic (NP), Association of Consulting Engineers Singapore (ACES) and the Singapore Maritime Academy (SMA), the conference has attracted some 280 local and international delegates from more than 15 countries.

Attached:

Speech by Mr Peter Ong, Chairman, MPA

Fact Sheet on TRIDENT Programme