The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) and the Singapore Maritime Institute (SMI) launched the new edition of the Singapore Maritime Technology & Research Roadmap during the Singapore Maritime Week (SMW) 2026.

2. The previous roadmap[1], published in 2019, had set the direction for a more advanced, efficient and sustainable maritime sector, and paved the way for the establishment of maritime Centres of Excellence and the implementation of the Maritime Transformation Programme.

3. The 2026 roadmap builds on this foundation, and sharpens the focus on translating research into deployable solutions. It sets out key areas to strengthen resilience, improve productivity, and catalyse innovation across Singapore's maritime ecosystem. Priorities include advancing digital technologies at scale, supporting practical decarbonisation pathways, and improving integration across port and shipping operations, while addressing structural constraints such as manpower requirements, and land and sea space limitations.

4. The roadmap sets out four key areas for action:

        a. Autonomous port operation

        b. Safe and efficient delivery of alternative energy

        c. Smart ships, and

        d. Intelligent and integrated port services

5. By defining priority areas, it aligns efforts across the government, research institutions and the industry to accelerate adoption and reduce implementation risks. Industry partners are encouraged to co-develop and pilot solutions, contribute operational insights, and support the scaling of proven technologies.

6. Over $100m will be invested into the research and development (R&D) of the four priority areas over the next five years. This will build on the more than $500 million in funds that have been allocated to pursue maritime R&D in Singapore over the past 20 years.

7. The roadmap has been informed by consultations with industry and research stakeholders, including a workshop in 2025 to identify key priorities across near-, medium- and long-term horizons. The Singapore Maritime Technology & Research Roadmap, 2026 edition, will be available as an e-Book and can be accessed at https://www.maritimeinstitute.sg/tech-research-roadmap/.

[1] SMI presented the ‘Singapore R&D Roadmap 2030: Maritime Transformation’ in 2019. This Roadmap charted out the key thrusts for the maritime research community to channel their R&D efforts, and create better strategic alignment and resource allocation by funding agencies, industry and research and technology communities.