Singapore deepens maritime cybersecurity ties with Hamburg in new pact

The MOU covers joint development of port systems, unmanned vessels, and ship connectivity security tools.

The Maritime and Port Authority (MPA) and the Hamburg Port Authority (HPA), together with four universities, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to strengthen maritime cybersecurity cooperation.

Under the agreement, MPA and HPA will also jointly develop cybersecurity technologies for port operations, unmanned vessels, remote ship operations, shipboard systems, and ship-to-shore connectivity.

The collaboration will also include sharing cybersecurity practices and improving incident response and preparedness.

The agreement also involves the Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT), the Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD), the University of Hamburg (UHH), and the Hamburg University of Technology (TUHH).

This builds on a 2024 letter of intent between MPA and HPA on digitalisation, decarbonisation and cybersecurity.

MPA Deputy Chief Executive (Operations and Technology) David Foo said cybersecurity is now a core part of port operations as systems become more digital and connected.

HPA Chief Financial Officer Tino Klemm said the cooperation will improve resilience against cyber threats and build on long-term collaboration between the two ports.