Capt Hari Subramaniam, Chair of the Nautical Institute (Singapore Branch),
Distinguished guests, industry partners, ladies and gentlemen,
Good morning. 

Introduction

1    Every ship that leaves port carries two forms of seaworthiness. The first can be surveyed: the integrity of its hull, the reliability of its machinery and the safety of its cargo. The second is harder to measure, but no less important. It lies in the competence, readiness, and well-being of the people on board. 

2    The two are inseparable. Even the most advanced ship becomes a risk if its crew is under-prepared, under-resourced or under-supported. 

3    That is why this year’s theme “Seaworthiness and seafarers in a changing world” is especially timely. It captures a central reality for our industry: the transformation of shipping is not only technical but profoundly human.  

4    Geopolitical tensions, decarbonisation, automation and artificial intelligence are reshaping our vessels and operations. And with them, the role of the seafarer.

5    In this new environment, seaworthiness can no longer be viewed solely in terms of whether a ship is fit for the journey. We must also ask: Do our people have the skills and support to navigate what lies ahead?  

6    So today, let me focus on three pillars which I think of as our people’s “seaworthiness”: that is ensuring our seafarers are well-prepared for evolving roles, well-placed to perform safely, and well-supported in an increasingly difficult environment. 

Well-prepared

7    First, our seafarers must be well-prepared. 

8    The maritime industry is changing at a pace few would have anticipated a decade ago. Methanol and ammonia dual-fuelled ships have entered commercial service. Autonomous and remote systems now support decisions once made solely on board.

9    As a maritime nation and a major flag registry, Singapore must prepare our seafarers not only for the ships of today, but also for the ships of tomorrow. 

10    This is especially urgent as shipping transitions to alternative fuels. Seafarers accustomed to conventional fuels must now operate in a very different risk environment. LNG, methanol, ammonia and eventually hydrogen each have distinct characteristics. Ammonia is highly toxic. Methanol and hydrogen are highly flammable. New fuels therefore require more than new engines. They require new competencies. 

11    MPA is pleased to be working with the Singapore Maritime Academy and Wavelink Maritime Institute to deliver training programmes for the safe handling of alternative fuels, among others. These programmes are aligned with the international standards that Singapore is helping to shape at the International Maritime Organization, or IMO. 

12    Our goal is simple: no seafarer serving on an alternative-fuelled ship should face an emergency without the knowledge, skills and confidence to respond safely and effectively. 

13    We must also prepare our seafarers for greater automation. At Singapore Polytechnic, the Centre of Excellence in Maritime Safety (CEMS), supported by the Singapore Maritime Institute, is developing human-centric technologies to strengthen navigational and operational safety. Through immersive tools, artificial intelligence and digital platforms, the Centre is helping the industry create future-ready solutions to enhance competencies and operational readiness.

Well-placed

14    Second, our seafarers must be well-placed: on safe, well-run ships, supported by a regulatory framework fit for purpose.  

15    Singapore is now the world’s fourth-largest ship registry. But rankings are not our main ambition. A Quality fleet is. 

16    As Singapore’s maritime administration, MPA conducts rigorous flag State control inspections and oversight of our ships. We work closely with our eight appointed Recognised Organisations to ensure that surveys and inspections are thorough, and we maintain zero-tolerance for substandard ships and practices.

17    Every vessel flying the Singapore flag carries with it a commitment to safety, environmental protection, and crew welfare. Our position on the whitelists of the Tokyo and Paris MOU for Port State Control reflect this commitment. 

18    And when incidents occur, our responses define who we are. MPA investigates all incidents thoroughly and objectively, to understand not only what happened, but why. We then share lessons and good practices with the industry so that one ship’s experience can help make many others safer. 

19    And that is the same spirit behind the Singapore Near Miss Reporting System that Captain Hari just spoke about. We want to encourage a culture where people feel free and want to speak about near miss incidents so that their experiences can make it safer for someone else tomorrow. 

Well-supported

20    The third pillar is perhaps closest to my heart – ensuring that our seafarers are well-supported and respected for the important work they do. 

21    Recent geopolitical tensions have again reminded us how quickly events ashore can place those at sea in danger. 

22    During the conflict in and around Iran this year, Singapore remained in close contact with all Singapore-registered ships stranded in the Persian Gulf.

23    MPA provided advisories to affected ships and seafarers to safeguard their safety and well-being. We engaged regional States to help maintain access to ship supplies, provisions and crew changes. We also worked closely with our colleagues in the Singapore Information Fusion Centre to monitor vessels operating in the region.

24    But supporting seafarers is not only about responding during a crisis. 

25    As a party to the Maritime Labour Convention, Singapore works closely with our tripartite partners to uphold safe and fair working conditions at sea. Seafarer of any nationality who face unfair conditions on a Singapore-registered ship – or any ship calling at Singapore – can always approach MPA for help. 

26    We also invest in practical support ashore to improve seafarers’ welfare. 

        a.    Our Seafarers' Lounges at Pasir Panjang Container Terminals and Jurong Port give seafarers a place to rest and recharge during port calls. We look forward to expanding this network as the future Tuas Port develops. 

       b.    The upcoming redeveloped Maritime House along Cantonment Road, expected to be completed in 2027, will provide affordable accommodation for seafarers transiting Singapore for sign-on and sign-off.

       c.    And through the Seafarer Welfare Grant, MPA supports our seafarer missions in providing ship visits, counselling and pastoral care to crew on board ships that call at Singapore. 

Conclusion
27    Let me conclude by bringing these three pillars together.  

28    Seaworthiness is not merely a technical consideration. It is a continuous commitment to ensure that ships, and the seafarers who sail them, continue operating safely and securely.

29    Singapore remains committed to preparing our seafarers for change. We will uphold high standards across our fleet. And we will stand by those who keep global trade moving. 

30    Because a ship is only as seaworthy as the people who sail it, and they deserve the best support we can give.

31    Thank you, and I wish you a successful conference.