In March 2025, the 19th edition of the Singapore Maritime Week (SMW) 2025 was held from March 24 to 28, 2025 at the Suntec Singapore Convention and Exhibition Centre in Singapore. Organized by the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA), this annual event celebrated Singapore’s maritime contributions as part of the SG60 festivities, commemorating 60 years of nation-building.
- The theme for SMW 2025 is ‘Actions Meet Ambition’, emphasizes decarbonization, digitalization, maritime services, and talent development.
- The event witnessed over 20,000 attendees from nearly 80 countries, including government officials, port authorities, industry leaders, and maritime professionals.
- The expanded EXPO@SMW featured 200+ exhibitors and nine country pavilions, underscoring Singapore’s role as a global maritime hub.
Key Highlights:
i.SMW 2025 was launched by Murali Pillai, Minister of State for Ministry of Law and Ministry of Transport of Singapore, and Lee Hsien Loong, Senior Minister of Singapore.
ii.Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways (MoPSW) of Government of India (GoI) led India’s delegation at SMW 2025, inaugurated the ‘India Pavilion’ and IRClass Pavilion to highlight India’s emergence as a global maritime hub driven by sustainability and digital innovation.
- He met with Lee Hsien Loong and other senior officials to discuss maritime connectivity, supply chains, and collaborative efforts towards a sustainable maritime future.
- He visited the Singapore Cruise Centre to study its infrastructure and facilities, which have contributed to Singapore’s success in cruise tourism.
Note: India plans to develop similar terminals in Goa, Mumbai (Maharashtra), and Chennai (TN) to boost cruise tourism.
Highlights of Singapore Maritime Week (SMW) 2025 :
Launch of Singapore’s First Maritime Digital Twin:
During SMW 2025, the Government Technology Agency of Singapore (GovTech) in collaboration with the MPA introduced Singapore’s inaugural Maritime Digital Twin.
- The digital twin will serve as a “sandbox” where companies and researchers can collaborate with MPA to develop and test new operating concepts and digital solutions before deploying them.
- This advanced simulation model integrates real-time data from vessels, port operations, and environmental sensors, utilizing artificial intelligence and predictive analytics to optimize port operations, improve energy efficiency, reduce emissions, and Enhance safety management.
India-Singapore Collaboration on Green and Digital Shipping Corridor:
During SMW 2025, India and Singapore signed a Letter of Intent (LoI) to collaborate on a Green and Digital Shipping Corridor (GDSC).
- This partnership aims to advance maritime digitalization and decarbonization by identifying key stakeholders, accelerating the adoption of low-emission technologies, and promoting digital solutions in the sector.
- The LoI was signed by R. Lakshmanan, Joint Secretary of MoPSW of GoI, and Teo Eng Dih, Chief Executive (CE)of Singapore’s MPA.
India-Netherlands Maritime Collaboration:
India and the Netherlands discussed leveraging Dutch expertise to facilitate cargo movement in low-draft rivers such as the Brahmaputra and Barak (India). This collaboration aims to enhance inland water transport efficiency and sustainability.
About Singapore:
President – Tharman Shanmugaratnam
Capital – Singapore
Currency – Singapore Dollar (SGD)
