Autonomous vessel fleet set for 2026 launch; Tuas Port Phase 2 reclamation nears 80% completion

Murali Pillai unveils 65M TEU Tuas Port, Digital Twin pilots, and autonomous USV trials.

Singapore will boost its maritime sector with automation, innovation, and workforce initiatives, Senior Minister of State for Transport and Law Murali Pillai said during the Ministry of Transport’s Committee of Supply debate on 4 March.

Mr. Pillai said Tuas Port’s Phase 2 reclamation is nearly 80% complete, with Phase 3 planning underway.

When finished in the 2040s, Tuas Port will have a capacity of 65 million TEUs and become the world’s largest fully automated container terminal.

He announced plans to expand the Singapore Maritime Digital Twin (MDT) for industry pilots, improving supply service coordination and multi-agency incident response to reduce vessel idle time.

From the second half of 2026, the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) will launch unmanned surface vessel (USV) trials for surveillance, early detection, and hydrographic operations.

These autonomous vessels will also allow remote control, enhancing safety and efficiency whilst freeing manpower for other growth areas.

On workforce development, Mr. Pillai highlighted the Maritime Cluster Fund Global Rotation (MCF-GR) scheme, which will co-fund overseas deployment of local middle managers, and the enhanced Maritime Cluster Fund Management Associate (MCF-MA) scheme for structured rotations across commercial and operational roles.

He also noted that median wages for key maritime roles range from $8,000 to $13,000.

The new Maritime Cluster Fund Business Development (MCF-BD) track will co-fund innovation and technology teams or corporate venture capital functions in Singapore, strengthening the sector’s R&D capabilities.

Mr. Pillai said these initiatives, together with the Maritime Singapore Master Plan, Green and Digital Shipping Corridors, and a future-ready workforce, will ensure Singapore’s maritime sector remains competitive, resilient, and technology-forward.

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