The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore and the Singapore Maritime Institute have launched the 2026 edition of the Singapore Maritime Technology and Research Roadmap during Singapore Maritime Week, setting out a renewed strategic framework for maritime innovation and capability development over the coming years.
The updated roadmap builds on its 2019 predecessor, which established the foundational direction for a more advanced and sustainable maritime sector and led to the creation of maritime Centres of Excellence and the Maritime Transformation Programme.
The 2026 edition sharpens the emphasis on translating research into deployable solutions, with a focus on strengthening resilience, improving productivity and catalysing innovation across Singapore’s maritime ecosystem.
Four priority areas structure the roadmap’s agenda: autonomous port operations, safe and efficient delivery of alternative energy, smart ships, and intelligent and integrated port services.
These priorities address both technological advancement and structural constraints facing the sector, including manpower requirements and limitations on available land and sea space.
Over SG$ 100 million will be invested in research and development across the four priority areas over the next five years, building on more than SG$ 500 million allocated to maritime R&D in Singapore over the past two decades.
The roadmap is designed to align efforts across government, research institutions and industry, with industry partners encouraged to co-develop and pilot solutions, contribute operational insights and support the scaling of proven technologies.
The roadmap was developed through consultations with industry and research stakeholders, including a dedicated workshop held in 2025 to identify near-, medium- and long-term priorities across the maritime innovation landscape.
