The 19th edition of Singapore Maritime Week was inaugurated by Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong and Minister of State Murali Pillai, featuring key discussions on digitalisation, decarbonisation, and maritime security
Singapore Maritime Week (SMW) 2025 was officially launched on 24 March 2025 by Mr Murali Pillai, Minister of State for Law and Transport, at Suntec Singapore Convention and Exhibition Centre. Organised by the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA), the event marks its 19th edition as an SG60 Signature Event, celebrating the nation’s maritime contributions. The week-long gathering is expected to host over 20,000 attendees from nearly 80 countries, including government officials, industry leaders, and maritime professionals.
A key highlight of the opening was the Singapore Maritime Lecture delivered by Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong, followed by a fireside chat moderated by Ambassador-at-Large Chan Heng Chee. Discussions centred on global geopolitical trends, Singapore’s maritime strategies, and the transition towards greener shipping practices. Additionally, Senior Minister Lee, alongside Minister of State Murali and other dignitaries, launched Singapore’s first Maritime Digital Twin, a real-time simulation model designed to enhance decision-making in port operations.
SMW 2025 features high-level engagements, including the “Perspectives from International Organisations” segment and industry dialogues addressing future maritime trends. Key conferences, such as the Accelerating Digitalisation and Decarbonisation Conference, and the inaugural Singapore Maritime Research Conference, bring together experts to discuss innovations in artificial intelligence, sustainability, and regulatory developments. The EXPO@SMW, running from 25 to 27 March, showcases emerging maritime technologies, with a focus on digital twins, cybersecurity, and sustainable shipping.
A new addition, the Talent@SMW programme, will take place on 27 March, offering career opportunities for students and professionals in the maritime industry. Meanwhile, MPA has launched the Maritime Testbed of Operational Technology Systems (MariOT), the world’s first industrial-grade cyber-physical platform for maritime cybersecurity. A cybersecurity tabletop exercise will also be conducted at the Maritime Cyber Assurance and Operations Centre (MCAOC) to assess industry preparedness against cyber threats.
As Singapore continues to strengthen its position as a leading global maritime hub, SMW 2025 underscores its commitment to sustainability, digitalisation, and talent development, ensuring the industry remains resilient and future-ready.
Source: MPA Singapore
