The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (Amendment) Bill (the “Bill”) was introduced for First Reading in Parliament today. Since the MPA Act was enacted in 1996, maritime operations have evolved significantly, including through greater digitalisation, emergence of new technologies such as remote operations and autonomous vessels, and increasingly complex port operations. The Bill seeks to amend the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore Act 1996 (“MPA Act”) to address these developments, strengthen safeguards against emerging risks, and enable MPA to intervene effectively to maintain the safe, reliable, and efficient operation of the Port of Singapore. The main amendments proposed in the Bill are set out as follows.

Strengthen MPA’s regulatory framework and powers over licensees

2. The MPA Act currently contains different frameworks to license and regulate maritime services that support the safe and reliable operation of the Port of Singapore. The proposed amendments will establish a comprehensive framework for licensing these services, including by setting out MPA’s considerations in assessing licence applications and allowing MPA to issue directions concerning the efficiency, safety, reliability, environmental sustainability, or quality of regulated services. The proposed amendments will also enable MPA to better support the provision and maintenance of essential port infrastructure. Together, these changes will enable MPA to more effectively regulate licensees and maintain the standards required for safe and reliable port operations.

Enhance MPA’s powers for prompt intervention to safeguard safety and operational continuity

3. Stranded or abandoned vessels, wrecks or other objects in Singapore’s waters can pose risks to navigational safety, the marine environment, and port operations. The proposed amendments will strengthen MPA’s ability to take timely action to address such risks, including by expanding the circumstances in which MPA can require or undertake their removal, to ensure maritime safety.

Introduce cybersecurity requirements for the maritime sector

4. As the maritime ecosystem becomes increasingly digitalised and interconnected, safeguarding the systems that support these operations has become increasingly important. The proposed amendments will establish a sectoral cybersecurity framework under the MPA Act, enabling MPA to designate Important Information Infrastructure (III), set cybersecurity requirements, and issue directions to safeguard these systems and infrastructure. This will complement the Cybersecurity Act 2018, and strengthen the sector’s preparedness for and response to cybersecurity risks and incidents.

Provide for the safe use of new and emerging maritime technologies

5. New technologies such as autonomous surface vessels, aerial drones and artificial intelligence are increasingly being used in maritime operations, with the potential to improve safety and efficiency. The proposed amendments will update relevant definitions and provisions in the MPA Act to account for these developments and provide MPA with the legal basis to regulate their safe use. This will allow MPA’s regulatory framework to keep pace as maritime technologies and operating models continue to evolve.

Strengthen MPA’s investigative and enforcement powers

6. Effective regulation of maritime activities depends on MPA having access to accurate and timely information and the ability to investigate potential contraventions. The proposed amendments will strengthen MPA’s powers to obtain and verify information, conduct inspections where necessary, and address false information or documents, as well as the failure to provide required information or documents. These changes will support effective regulatory oversight and the safe and efficient operation of Singapore’s port.

7. Parliament will debate on the Bill at the Second Reading in November 2026.