Singapore is upgrading its vessel traffic systems with a greater focus on video and data transfer.
The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) said several new initiatives are underway as part of "continued efforts to enhance safety at sea."
To capture vessel movements more efficiently and accurately, it will upgrade the vessel traffic information system (VTIS) this year.
This includes improvements to the resolution of CCTV and video analytics capabilities, and expansion of the data bandwidth between the VTIS and radar stations to enhance situational awareness through ensuring high-resolution radar plots.
It will also invest SGD 500,000 ($368,000) in developing the VHF Data Exchange System (VDES) over the next three years.
This will facilitate real-time data transfer between shore and ships in the port.
"With greater data exchange between shore and ships, predictive analysis relating to navigational safety such as traffic hotspots and collision risks could be made at shore and shared with ships. The VDES is currently being developed and prototyped," it said.
A new maritime research Centre of Excellence in Maritime Safety (CEMS) will also be set up by the Singapore Maritime Institute and Singapore Polytechnic to enhance navigational safety.
It will help train and develop of seafarers through the use of emerging digital technologies such as augmented reality and virtual reality.
The measures were announced by senior minister of state for the ministry of transport, Lam Pin Min, on Wednesday.
Earlier in the week, MPA launched a new Safety@Sea Singapore Campaign and announced it will co-fund the upgrading of new buckle-type lifejackets and customised lifejacket receptacles on board all MPA-licensed regional ferries to enhance passenger safety.
