3 March 2023 (Lloyd's List) - SINGAPORE’s Maritime Port Authority is to develop a system prototype to test various artificial intelligence-enabled, next generation, vessel traffic management applications.

Applications, such as smart collision detection and traffic management, will be tested in a real-time environment to provide insights on potential new capabilities and scope the requirements and specifications for system implementation, according to a statement.

The development is the second phase of the port authority’s initiatives to adopt the artificial intelligence-enabled, next generation, vessel traffic management system to replace the current system.

The MPA completed a three-year first-phase initiative in 2021 to develop and test new operating concepts and technologies to enhance navigation safety and efficiency of vessel traffic management.

A third phase, from 2024-2027, will involve planning, design, development and installation leading to testing of the management system. The aim is to deploy it from 2025.

“With data analytics and machine learning to identify traffic hotspots, as well as advanced algorithms to predict potential collisions, the next generation vessel traffic management system will allow MPA to provide ship captains with more accurate and timely information to take early action for navigational safety,” the port authority said.

“Secured and reliable data transfer between ship-to-ship and ship-to-shore for the system can be facilitated through various connectivity platforms, such as the VHF Data Exchange System and the maritime 5G network.”

The port authority said three of the planned 12 base stations for its onshore 5G communication infrastructure will be ready this year. They will support testing and development of new digital applications, such as remotely assisted pilotage advisory, digital bunkering, delivery drones and telemedicine.

The remaining nine base stations will be set up by 2025.