Singapore trials drones to strengthen maritime safety
A range of drone-enabled technologies was trialled during the exercise, including 3D imaging to assess vessel damage and a water curtain misting system to limit the spread of chemical plumes.
Singapore (VNA)💛 – As part of the International Safety@Sea Week, the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) on July 15 opened a multi-agency chemical spill exercise and first shore-to-ship drone trials to strengthen Singapore’s operational readiness.
Conducted off Singapore’s southern coast, the exercise involved 11 vessels and over 150 personnel from more than 10 government agencies and industry partners.
It simulated a methanol spill from a collision involving a methanol-carrying tanker, triggering a multi-agency response. This included coordinated efforts for spill containment and the evacuation of injured crew.
A range of drone-enabled technologies was trialled during the exercise, including 3D imaging to assess vessel damage and a water curtain misting system to limit the spread of chemical plumes.
An Uncrewed Surface Vehicle was also deployed to monitor air quality, reducing the need for responders to enter hazardous zones to perform such monitoring. The Maritime Digital Twin and chemical plume modelling tools were used to enhance situational awareness and support decision-making throughout the exercise.
The exercise is part of MPA’s broader preparations for methanol bunkering and provided a valuable opportunity for agencies and industry partners to better understand the safety and operational challenges, and potential solutions, in handling alternative fuels.
MPA is also enhancing safety across other areas of port operations.
In collaboration with Skyports Drone Services, TFG Marine and CBS Ventures, MPA and the partners will complete Singapore’s first shore-to-ship drone trials for delivery and retrieval operations from bunker tankers later this week.
The use of drones reduces reliance on harbour craft for such operations, improving efficiency while reducing pollution and congestion. It also minimises safety risks by removing the need for crew to handle and transfer heavy items between the ship and shore using harbour craft. Safety considerations, including the management of electrostatic discharge risks during the drone operations, are carefully reviewed in preparation for the trials.
Findings from these trials will inform the development of safety protocols and an operational framework to support the phased implementation of this new maritime service.
To enhance navigational safety, MPA will progressively install smart buoys in Singapore’s waterways from 2026 to replace selected existing buoys. These next-generation buoys will be equipped with environmental sensors and communication systems to transmit real-time data, such as currents and waves, to MPA. This will enhance situational awareness, support dynamic traffic management, and enable more timely and informed decision-making, strengthening navigational safety.
The 12th edition of the Safety@Sea Week is taking place from July 15 to 18 in Singapore under the theme ‘The Future of Maritime Safety: Navigating the Next Frontier’.
The annual event brings together local and international maritime experts, and the maritime community to promote awareness and facilitate discussions on maritime safety.
It is expected that over 1,800 delegates from more than 40 countries will attend sessions within the week./.
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