Safer journeys at sea

Smarter journeys in the sky

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At sea, Captain Charles Alexandar De Souza (right) has witnessed — and contributed to — an equally remarkable transformation.

He began his maritime journey at 16, signing on as a crew member on a ship while waiting for his 'O'-level results. He wanted to see the world.

While the voyages were exciting, Captain De Souza knew that he would return to work in Singapore one day. That opportunity came in 1996, when he joined PSA Marine and served for 10 years as a harbour pilot.

In 2006, he joined the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA), eager to help improve the port with his pilotage knowledge and contribute to the MPA's mission and vision.

MPA develops the port while PSA Singapore and Jurong Port are its operators.

Today, Captain De Souza is the deputy port master and deputy director for the marine environment and safety department. The 60-year-old is a member of MPA's Pilotage Committee, which oversees the licensing and examination of harbour pilots. He also contributes to other areas, such as in discussions and planning for port development.

Transformation has touched every corner of the port of Singapore, he says, citing the example of how electrified, automated guided vehicles have replaced diesel-powered prime movers to transport containers within Tuas Port.

Automation has played a large role in streamlining the port's operations.

Mr Christopher Lim, 53, managing director of cargo and freight services firm DHL Global Forwarding Singapore and Malaysia, has witnessed this in his over 20 years at the firm. "Processes used to be heavily manual, with a huge reliance on paperwork and longer clearance times.