15 July, 2025 – Singapore is stepping up its commitment to maritime safety with the 12th edition of the international Safety@Sea Week, held from 15 to 18 July 2025. Organised by the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA), this year’s event, themed “The Future of Maritime Safety: Navigating the Next Frontier,” gathers maritime experts and stakeholders worldwide to discuss emerging challenges and innovations in maritime safety.
Tackling Complex Maritime Challenges
Speaking at the event’s opening, Mr. Murali Pillai, Senior Minister of State for the Ministry of Law and Ministry of Transport, emphasized the growing complexities in the maritime sector. He pointed to geopolitical tensions, climate change, digital transformation, and decarbonisation as key challenges. Mr Murali highlighted three pillars to meet these challenges effectively: equipping the workforce, fostering strong collaborations, and leveraging technology and innovation.
Mr. Arsenio Dominguez, Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), delivered the keynote address, underscoring the importance of robust safety frameworks as maritime technology evolves. He highlighted advances such as Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships and sustainable marine fuels, emphasizing the critical role of government-industry partnerships and initiatives like the Safety@Sea Singapore Campaign to promote a safety-first culture.
Conference Highlights and Industry Dialogue
This year’s conference features 19 expert speakers across three plenaries, focusing on future maritime safety topics such as lessons from past incidents and the vital human element amid technological shifts. A new initiative, Safety@Sea Community Conversations, brought together representatives from shipping companies, ferry and harbour craft operators, and terminal operators to share best practices in cultivating safety cultures.
With over 1,800 participants from more than 40 countries, the event also includes the Responders Plus Programme (RPP) Maritime Workshop, organized jointly by MPA and the Singapore Civil Defence Force, plus safety forums by the MPA-Harbour Craft and MPA-Pleasure Craft Safety Work Groups aimed at enhancing safety awareness within the local maritime community.
Multi-Agency Chemical Spill Exercise Demonstrates Readiness
As part of Safety@Sea Week, MPA conducted a large-scale chemical spill exercise off Singapore’s southern coast, involving 11 vessels and over 150 personnel from more than 10 government agencies and industry partners. The drill simulated a methanol spill from a tanker collision, testing coordinated responses such as spill containment and crew evacuation.
Innovative technologies featured prominently in the exercise. Drone-enabled 3D imaging assessed vessel damage, while a water curtain misting system helped contain chemical plumes. An Uncrewed Surface Vehicle (USV) monitored air quality remotely, minimizing responder exposure to hazardous zones. The Maritime Digital Twin and chemical plume modelling tools provided enhanced situational awareness and decision support throughout the exercise.
This exercise supports MPA’s ongoing preparations for methanol bunkering safety, addressing operational challenges and solutions for handling alternative fuels. Reflecting growing industry interest, MPA received 13 applications for methanol bunker supplier licenses after an open call in March 2025, with licenses expected to be issued by Q4 2025 for operations starting in 2026.
Advancing Safety with Shore-to-Ship Drone Trials
MPA is also pushing innovation in port operations with Singapore’s first shore-to-ship drone delivery and retrieval trials. In partnership with Skyports Drone Services, TFG Marine, and CBS Ventures, these drone operations from bunker tankers aim to improve efficiency, reduce pollution and congestion, and enhance safety by minimizing crew handling of heavy cargo between ship and shore.
Strict safety protocols, including managing electrostatic discharge risks, guide these trials. Insights gained will help develop operational frameworks for wider adoption of drone-supported maritime services.
Smart Buoys to Enhance Navigational Safety
Looking ahead, MPA plans to install next-generation smart buoys across Singapore’s waterways starting 2026. Equipped with environmental sensors and real-time communication systems, these buoys will provide crucial data on currents and waves. The technology will boost situational awareness, support dynamic traffic management, and strengthen navigational safety in the busy port region.
Recognising Excellence in Maritime Safety
During the event’s opening ceremony, MPA Chief Executive Mr. Ang Wee Keong presented the MPA Safety@Sea Awards to six companies for outstanding search and rescue efforts in 2024, and one company for innovative safety solutions and training. Additionally, three companies received Letters of Commendation for their contributions to promoting safety at sea.
About MPA Singapore
The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA Singapore) plays a pivotal role in shaping Singapore as a global hub for maritime trade and bunkering. Established in 1997, MPA oversees the country’s extensive port operations, ensuring safety, efficiency, and sustainability in one of the world’s busiest ports. Singapore is consistently ranked as the top bunkering port globally, handling over 54 million metric tons of bunker fuel annually.
MPA Singapore is committed to promoting innovation in maritime practices and fostering collaboration within the industry to enhance maritime safety, decarbonisation, and digitalisation. With a strategic vision to lead in sustainable shipping, MPA continues to support the maritime community through various initiatives and partnerships, positioning Singapore at the forefront of the global maritime landscape.
Source MPA Singapore