Singapore targets full maritime 5G coverage by mid-2025

Giving an opening address to the International Safety@Sea Conference Chee Hong Tat, Singapore’s Senior Minister of State for Transport and Finance that the Maritime & Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) and the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) signed an MOU in mid-August 2022 to develop 5G mobile network capabilities in maritime to enhance digital capabilities.

“Our aim is to achieve full maritime 5G coverage in our anchorages, fairways, terminals and boarding grounds by the middle of 2025,” the Minister said.

The 5G network will help accelerate maritime tech research and development with new applications to improve maritime and navigational safety.

Giving an example, Minister Chee said: “Researchers are looking at projects such as remote assisted pilotage advisory where pilots can remotely piloted ship via shore-based control centre through real time video imagery, providing social situational awareness.”

With the pilot no longer having to be physically present on the vessel it would not only be more efficient and productive, but also reduce the risk to the pilot in transport to and boarding of vessels at sea.

The 5G network is seen as unlocking possibilities around artificial intelligence, internet-of-things, big data, drones and autonomous vehicles within the port’s waters and within terminals.

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Quah Ley Hoon, Chief Executive of the MPA said: “MPA is taking the lead to help build a robust digital maritime ecosystem for Maritime Singapore, with fast, secure and high capacity 5G connectivity as one of the cornerstones to support real-time data exchanges in the maritime domain. Maritime 5G will enable our global hub port and International Maritime Centre to remain at the forefront of the competition.”