During the Singapore Maritime Week (SMW) 2024, the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) signed into two memorandum of understanding (MoU)s with SUTD. Both MOUs were signed on the 16 April 2024 in the presence of Dr Amy Khor, Senior Minister of State, Ministry of Transport and Ministry of Sustainability and the Environment. 

The first MoU involves MPA, Tallinn University of Technology (TalTech) from Estonia, Foundation CR14, the Singapore Maritime Institute (SMI), and the Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD). This agreement aims to boost cybersecurity within the maritime sector through collaborative research and development, testing initiatives, and training programs. SUTD’s Maritime Testbed of Shipboard Operational Technology (MariOT) system will be used to support simulations drills and exercises with industry partners.

Prof Zhou Jianying, iTrust’s Centre Director, was interviewed by Lianhe Zaobao at SMW. He mentioned that cyberattacks on ships need to be detected early to avoid heavy casualties and losses.

The second MoU, signed between MPA, the Singapore Shipping Association (SSA), the Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT), and Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD), focuses on enhancing cooperation and information exchange regarding cybersecurity among maritime entities. It also seeks to develop maritime cybersecurity capabilities and reinforce the talent pipeline in cybersecurity.


Source1: Collective Efforts to Strengthen Maritime Cybersecurity | Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (mpa.gov.sg) 
Source2: 我国首个海事业网络安全试验平台拟明年启用   | 联合早报 (zaobao.com.sg) 
Source3: Opening Address by Dr Amy Khor, Senior Minister of State, Ministry of Transport and Ministry of Sustainability and the Environment, at the Accelerating Digitalisation & Decarbonisation Conference (mot.gov.sg)