C4NGP partners seven institutions to build Singapore’s next-generation digital maritime ecosystem

Digital twins of port, land and sea systems to be developed to study and test innovative solutions to address real-world maritime challenges

The Centre of Excellence in Modelling and Simulation for Next Generation Ports (C4NGP), a collaboration between the National University of Singapore (NUS) and the Singapore Maritime Institute (SMI), today inked Memoranda of Understanding (MOU) with seven industry and research partners to jointly develop digital twins of next-generation ports and maritime systems. C4NGP, which is based at NUS, will contribute its expertise in modelling and simulation, and work with these partners to develop innovative solutions to enhance the overall competitiveness and efficiency of Singapore’s port and maritime industries. 

The signing ceremony was witnessed by Dr Lam Pin Min, Senior Minister of State for Transport and Health, at the official opening of the C4NGP held today.

The Centre of Excellence in Modelling and Simulation for Next Generation Ports marked its official opening with the signing of Memoranda of Understanding with seven industry and research partners to jointly develop digital twins of next-generation ports and maritime systems.

Digital platforms for building smart port and maritime systems

A digital twin is a virtual representation of physical infrastructure, and is often used to mirror real-world complex systems, including those commonly found in port and maritime operations. It taps into simulation analytics and artificial intelligence to identify, predict and prescribe actions in real time. The digital platform can be used to test alternative port designs and operational concepts without the need for physical implementation. In this way, decision making can be improved, resulting in cost and time savings.

Through the MOUs, C4NGP will work with the seven partners to create digital twins of various port, land, and sea systems, as follows: 

• Jurong Port Pte Ltd –  Develop simulation platform and digital twin of a multipurpose port to address resource optimisation challenges during its transformation into a Next Generation Multipurpose Port by 2025, while continuing to ensure efficient and uninterrupted handling of Singapore’s essential cargo. 
• Optimization Analytics Technology Pte Ltd – Develop digital twin of different maritime optimisation subsystems, and identify opportunities for commercialisation
• PSA Marine Pte Ltd –  Develop a predictive application by leveraging data analytics and machine learning to enhance navigational safety in Singapore waters
• Singapore Polytechnic’s Centre of Excellence in Maritime Safety – Develop sea channel digital twin to solve challenges such as waterway traffic safety and management 
• Surbana Jurong – Contribute urban and port planning domain knowledge to develop simulation systems software for future urban and infrastructure projects in Singapore and overseas
• Softship Data Processing Pte Ltd – Optimise global container repositioning to reduce annual costs by US$15 to 20 billion 
• ZPMC Southeast Asia Pte Ltd – Create digital twin of next-generation port equipment and integrated port solutions for ZPMC’s customers, both locally and globally 

Associate Professor Chew Ek Peng, Director of C4NGP, said, “We are excited to work with an inclusive group of companies, including industry leaders and start-ups, to pioneer novel solutions to tackle Singapore’s increasingly complex port and maritime operations. These collaborations will enable NUS to deepen our research capabilities in modelling and simulation, and also nurture talents for the industry. The long-term goal of creating a future-oriented digital maritime ecosystem will promote innovation and further enhance Singapore’s competitiveness as a leading maritime capital.”

“These MOUs recognise C4NGP’s relevance to the maritime industry in helping the ecosystem of Maritime Singapore enable its digital transformation towards establishing the next generation port systems,” said Dr Sanjay C. Kuttan, Executive Director of SMI.   

Mr Andrew Tan, Chief Executive of the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore, said: “MPA is pleased to support the C4NGP as it will augment the capabilities of our ports with the latest modelling and simulation techniques especially as we develop our new mega port in Tuas. We hope the C4NGP will pool together R&D expertise from various disciplines from the university as well as link up with other centres of excellence.”

2018 International Symposium in Modelling and Simulation for Smart Systems

The official opening of the C4NGP was held in conjunction with the 2018 International Symposium in Modelling and Simulation for Smart Systems, which is taking place from 18 to 19 October 2018. The conference aims to provide a platform for industry and academia to exchange ideas on the latest technical trends, research developments, and practical applications in maritime systems and urban logistics.