Singapore has one of the world’s busiest hub port and waterways, which present the most demanding environment that helps spur innovative ideas and solutions. However, one challenge that technology developers face is the lack of a real operating environment and maritime data for the testing and validation of solutions and technologies. MPA Living Lab, together with PSA Living Lab and Jurong Port Living Lab, aims to bring together the process owners, technology providers and/or researchers to co-innovate, test-bed new systems, and bring technological and engineering solutions closer to market.
The MPA Living Lab was announced in Mar 2017 and comprises both physical and digital spaces. The Maritime Innovation Lab serves as a co-creation platform where projects focus on next generation port operations such as vessel traffic management, remote pilotage, and just-in-time port services coordination, as well as maritime autonomous surface ships (MASS) are experimented. In addition, the MIL will also house the maritime data hub to support industry digitalisation efforts and data sharing. Beyond MIL, the MPA Living Lab also supports physical test-beds at sea. The recently announced maritime drone estate at the Marina South Pier is one such designated areas to facilitate the trials of new technologies in the port environment.
The PSA Living Lab was launched jointly by MPA, EDB and PSA in 2016, and it consists of two operational berths at Pasir Panjang Terminal for PSA to collaborate with solution providers and start-ups to test-bed new solutions in actual port operations. 30 Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs), 14-yard cranes and 7 quay cranes are also involved in a trial to improve manpower productivity.
Jurong Port Living Lab. The JP Living Lab was launched in Oct 2017 to improve terminal safety, productivity, sustainability and security. JP has since collaborated with technology developers and researchers to develop new solutions such as the just-in-time lighter terminal applications.