MPA uses digital twin to de-risk port innovation

Virtual replica guides charging, safety, and drone operations.

Singapore’s Maritime and Port Authority (MPA) is using a real-time digital twin of the Port of Singapore to test new operating concepts and capital decisions in a space-constrained environment before deploying them in the real world.

Deputy Chief Executive of Operations and Technology David Foo said at the Geo Autonomy Summit that the system, developed by MPA and GovTech Singapore and launched last year, combines live data from vessels, port operations, and environmental sensors to provide a common operating picture and support safer innovation.

One key use case is planning charging infrastructure for electric harbour craft, with the digital twin mapping historical and real-time traffic density to identify where stations would benefit operators most.

Foo said the same capability could eventually support an app showing harbour craft owners which charging stations are available.

The platform is also being used for emergency response, including spill detection and evacuation planning.

MPA worked with A*STAR’s Institute of High Performance Computing to integrate a computational fluid dynamics model that helps visualise the spread of hazardous cryogenic liquid and, when combined with live weather and sea-current data, identify safer routes for nearby ships.

MPA has also integrated live drone feeds into the digital twin, following its use of drones during COVID-19 to deliver medication to crew members who could not leave their ships.

The authority now uses drones for lightweight spare-part deliveries and port surveillance, whilst the added visibility could also help smaller marine suppliers coordinate deliveries more efficiently and cut fuel use.

Looking ahead, Foo said artificial intelligence could be layered into the digital twin to optimise how more vessels are parked safely within limited port space.