01 Sep 2022

World’s first maritime 5G testbed set up in Singapore

The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) has announced plans to develop what it claims will be the world’s first 5G testbed and public network at sea as part of the country’s plans to become “a global maritime capital”.

The Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) will partner with MPA to achieve the goal of full 5G standalone (SA) coverage over Singapore’s anchorages, fairways, terminals and boarding grounds by mid-2025. 5G coverage in the country’s current port waters will enable the establishment of Singapore’s 5G@SEA, a maritime testbed MDA will use to develop 5G use cases over the next decade.

The collaboration will be a key enabler in supporting Singapore’s Maritime ambition to handle 65 million TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units) upon the completion of Tuas Port in the 2040s.Once developed by mid-2025, Singapore’s 5G@SEA Maritime testbed will accelerate marinetech research, development and facilitate testing of new applications. An initial use-cases will focus on remote assisted pilotage advisory (Rapa) for automation, productivity, and human safety.

Maritime 5G will enable remote pilotage of the ship via a shore-based control centre through real-time video imagery providing situation awareness of the vessel. With this in place, the pilot does not need to physically board the ship to greatly enhance safety according to IMDA.