A NEW purpose-built ‘co-creation platform’ has been launched in Singapore as part of a wider bid to bolster collaboration in maritime innovation.

Dubbed the Maritime Innovation Lab, the purpose-built facility located at PSA Vista allows industry players, research institutes and local universities to plug in to the test-beds, data hub and regulatory sandbox platforms to develop their own maritime solutions and capabilities.

Senior minister of state for transport and health Dr Lam Pin Min said at the launch event: “The set-up of the Maritime Innovation Lab is an important milestone in Singapore’s journey to be the global maritime hub for connectivity, innovation and talent. It strengthens the maritime industry’s partnership with research and technology communities in co-creating solutions to address industry challenges.”

Eighteen organisations including ST Engineering, Keppel Offshore & Marine, Kongsberg and Wärtsilä are showcasing their research and development projects and innovations at the Maritime Innovation Lab.

The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore’s chief executive Quah Ley Hoon said: “We are glad to have like-minded partners who strongly believe in the importance of experimentation and open innovation.”

Beyond the co-creation space at PSA Vista, MPA Living Lab also supports physical test-beds at sea including the recently announced maritime drone estate at Singapore’s Marina South Pier.

Singapore’s port operators, Jurong Port and PSA, have also earmarked areas for test-bedding of new innovations alongside ‘live’ port operations.