MPA and PSA Extend Memorandum of Understanding on Developing
Container Port Technologies

The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) and PSA Corporation Limited (PSA) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) today to extend their collaboration under the Port Technology Research and Development Programme (PTRDP). The extension of the Programme will allow MPA and PSA to continue with research and development (R&D) initiatives to develop next-generation technologies for Singapore's future container terminal operations.

The MOU was signed by MPA Chief Executive, Mr Andrew Tan and Mr Tan Puay Hin, Regional CEO Southeast Asia, PSA International. Witnessing the signing of the MOU were MPA Chairman, Mr Lucien Wong, Mr Fock Siew Wah, Group Chairman, PSA International and Mr Tan Chong Meng, Group CEO, PSA International. The signing was held at the Singapore Maritime Institute's Automation & Autonomy Seminar, in conjunction with the 9th Singapore Maritime Week.

Under the MOU, MPA will fund the Programme an additional S$15 million over five years from the Maritime Innovation and Technology Fund (MINT Fund). PSA will provide additional co-funding of up to S$15 million over the same period. This will bring the total amount committed towards the Programme to S$50 million, up from the initial S$20 million.

The Programme will continue its focus on the key areas of port automation, intelligent planning and control systems, and green port solutions. Relevant concepts inspired from the Next Generation Container Port Challenge in 2012 will also be explored.

Mr Andrew Tan said, "With growing demands on ports to accommodate ever larger ships and growing amounts of cargo, it is imperative that we leverage on new technologies to increase our port efficiency and productivity. Through co-funding of such R&D efforts, we hope to see the adoption of new systems and technologies that will significantly enhance the competitiveness of Singapore as a global transhipment hub and bring benefits to the rest of the industry."

"PSA is pleased to continue this partnership with MPA, as we gear up for the development of the future terminals at Pasir Panjang Phases 3 and 4 as well as Tuas. The innovative technologies developed under the Programme will transform our terminal operations, and take our productivity and process efficiency to new heights. We will be better prepared to manage greater business complexities, as our customers' requirements evolve. This will also enhance the value proposition of Singapore as a global transhipment hub." said Mr Tan Puay Hin.

In April 2011, the PTRDP saw MPA and PSA, along with technology providers, local Institutes of Higher Learning and other companies, coming together to develop advanced technologies for Singapore's container terminals. The initial S$20 million funding earmarked under the PTRDP has since been committed towards research and test-bedding projects on AGV systems, yard crane automation and wharf automation.

End of Release.

Jointly issued by the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore and PSA Corporation Limited

About the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA)
The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) was established on 2 February 1996, with the mission to develop Singapore as a premier global hub port and international maritime centre (IMC), and to advance and safeguard Singapore's strategic maritime interests. MPA is the driving force behind Singapore's port and maritime development, taking on the roles of Port Authority, Port Regulator, Port Planner, IMC Champion, and National Maritime Representative. MPA partners the industry and other agencies to enhance safety, security and environmental protection in our port waters, facilitate port operations and growth, expand the cluster of maritime ancillary services, and promote maritime R&D and manpower development.

About PSA Corporation Limited (PSA)
PSA operates the world's largest container transhipment hub in Singapore. It links shippers to an excellent network of major shipping lines with connections to 600 ports globally. Shippers have access to daily sailings to every major port in the world at this mega hub. Its excellence in port operations has consistently been recognised by the shipping community. In 2013, it was voted the "Best Container Terminal (Asia)" for the 24th time at the Asian Freight and Supply Chain Awards. PSA Singapore Terminals handled 32.24 million TEUs of containers in 2013.Website: www.singaporepsa.com