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The Singapore-Norway Maritime Digital and Cyber Forum 2024, held at the Andas Singapore, witnessed an opening address by Mr Chee Hong Tat, Minister for Transport and Second Minister for Finance. Acknowledging the robust partnership between Norway and Singapore in the maritime domain, Mr. Chee highlighted the shared vision for the industry, evidenced by the Memorandum of Understanding signed during the Nor-Shipping event in Oslo.
The bilateral cooperation extends to addressing critical issues, exemplified by the joint organisation of the IMOSingapore NextGEN Connect workshop in October 2023, focusing on maritime decarbonisation.
Despite the challenges anticipated in 2024, including inflationary pressures and geopolitical disruptions, Mr. Chee expressed cautious optimism. Emphasising the need for continued transformation, he highlighted key areas such as decarbonisation, talent development, and digitalisation as pivotal for the industry’s long-term preparedness.
Maritime Singapore is making significant strides in digitalisation, with recent achievements indicating the sector’s commitment to overcoming obstacles. The Just-In-Time Planning and Coordination Platform, launched by the Maritime and Port Authority (MPA) in October 2023, optimises vessel arrival times at key terminals, contributing to cost savings and reduced carbon emissions. Additionally, Maritime 5G initiatives, with coverage in southern port waters since September 2023, are set to enhance connectivity across various maritime operations.
Mr Chee underscored the importance of cyber resilience as digital systems become more interconnected. Citing recent cyberattacks affecting Australian ports, he stressed the need for advancements in maritime cybersecurity. The three “C”s—Capabilities, Constant Vigilance, and Cooperation—were highlighted as Singapore’s approach to enhancing cyber resilience.
The Minister highlighted ongoing efforts to build technological capabilities, including the development of the Maritime Testbed of Shipboard Operational Technology system (MariOT) by the Singapore University of Technology and Design. MariOT aims to provide a cyber-physical platform for the realistic testing of cybersecurity technologies tailored to maritime operating systems.
In addition to technological capabilities, Mr. Chee emphasised the importance of building the cybersecurity capabilities of the maritime workforce. Initiatives like the Maritime Cybersecurity Roundtable are collaborating with Institutes of Higher Learning to develop cybersecurity courses, ensuring a skilled workforce to navigate cyber incidents.
Constant vigilance, the second “C,” involves building greater awareness and agility in responding to emerging cyber threats. Initiatives like the self-assessment tool for cybersecurity maturity are being developed to help maritime companies assess their readiness and vulnerabilities in operating technology systems.
Cooperation, the third “C,” emerged as the cornerstone of Singapore’s strategy. The Port Authorities Chief Information Officer Cybersecurity Network initiative (PACC-Net) established by MPA in 2020 focuses on information sharing and collaboration to strengthen responses to cybersecurity threats. The initiative identified areas for improvement during a Table Top Exercise in 2023, leading to ongoing efforts to streamline information flows.
Mr Chee expressed gratitude for the strong partnership with Norway, emphasising common values and the potential for collaborations to extend beyond bilateral relations. The collaborative efforts between Singapore and Norway, driven by a shared commitment to addressing complex maritime issues, aim to leave a lasting impact on the global maritime sector’s resilience to cyber threats. The forum is expected to facilitate further discussions and collaborations, contributing to the digital transformation and cyber resilience of both nations’ maritime industries.
The maritime sector, crucial for Singapore’s economic development and global trade, is a collaborative focus with the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA). The joint efforts aim to enhance the global hub port, reinforce the international maritime centre, and protect Singapore’s maritime interests, contributing to economic growth, job creation, and business opportunities.
Singapore, the world’s busiest container transhipment port, excels as the top bunkering port globally, facilitating over 130,000 vessel calls annually. Positioned at the crossroads of trade routes and connected to 600 ports in 120 countries, Singapore offers unparalleled global trade connectivity and a comprehensive range of maritime services.
