Digital Twin of Singapore's Port to Be Tested in Second Half of 2025

Powered by AI, it aims to improve efficiency and response time to oil, chemical spills

- Esther Loi

A dynamic real-time virtual model of the Port of Singapore, powered by artificial intelligence (AI), will be trialled in the second half of 2025.

Integrating live data from vessels, port operations and environmental sensors, this digital twin will improve navigational safety, operational efficiency and environmental sustainability, said the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) on March 24.

It is expected to enhance situational awareness and emergency response to oil and chemical spills, noted the authority.

Minister of State for Transport and Law Murali Pillai said the port's digital twin will simulate various scenarios and model how pollutants are spread.

He announced its launch on March 24 at the opening ceremony of Singapore Maritime Week (SMW), at the Suntec Singapore Convention and Exhibition Centre.

MPA noted that the virtual model will tap the authority's operational data as well as publicly available data sets on vessel information, geographical data for the sea and around the port, and weather information.

Through AI and predictive analysis, the digital twin could strengthen safety management and emergency response through scenario planning for incidents such as oil and chemical spills, in addition to aiding decision-making during such incidents, said MPA.

Predictive analysis refers to the use of data to forecast trends and events.

The virtual model will enhance standard operating procedures for the safe bunkering or refuelling of alternative fuels such as methanol and ammonia, said Mr Murali.

"This will enable the development of tools to optimise port efficiency and reliability above, at and below the sea surface," he added.