Asia/Pacific News
MPA to Fund Drone Technology to Help Tackle Bunker Spills
The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA), under its MINT Fund Call for Proposals, is looking to fund the research and development of drone technology to tackle bunker spills.
Speaking last month at the Maritime Sustainability Forum 2016, MPA Assistant CEO Captain M Segar said the oil spill response efforts come as part of its wider environmental goals, that also include the development of technologies to support the industry in ballast water management efforts.
Last month MPA committed a further S$50 million to the Maritime Innovation and Technology (MINT) Fund to bring it to a total of S$200 million, and also extended its term to 2021.
The latest call will open in May and close in August, M Segar added.
"As a port authority and one of the busiest ports in the world, MPA promotes and ensures environmentally-friendly shipping and port activities in the Port of Singapore," he said.
"MPA is committed to, and will continue to work together with our partners to develop a sustainable Maritime Singapore."
Drone technology is certainly not a new area for the MPA.
Last year it unveiled the Water Spider, a drone that will help assist with at sea oil spill assessments.
