The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) has been developing a set of acceptance criteria that is intended to facilitate the use of drones in the inspection of cargo tanks on-board Singapore-registered ships.
MPA has previously undertaken several trials using aerial drones to survey ships’ cargo tanks to prepare the acceptance standards, which are expected to be completed by the first quarter of next year.
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The criteria will form a part of MPA’s newly introduced service enhancements and training programme for Singapore-registered ships and maritime companies following completion.
MPA chief executive Andrew Tan said: “IoT, digitalisation and new technologies such as blockchain and smart drones are changing the way we work.
“To stay ahead, the Singapore Registry of Ships needs to embrace these technologies to offer value-added services to its customer.
“As a responsible flag administration, we will continue to find new ways to promote clean, efficient and sustainable shipping.”
MPA’s new series of service enhancements and training programme were launched earlier this month and are expected to benefit more than 4,600 ships operating under the Singapore flag.
The programme includes a round-the-clock hotline for vessels requiring urgent assistance and will enable MPA to issue e-certificates directly to Singapore-registered ships by the end of this year.
MPA also signed a new memorandum of understanding (MoU) as part of the initiative, which is intended to encourage more maritime companies to comply with the Singapore Stock Exchange’s (SGX) mandatory sustainability reporting requirements.
