The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) has launched six next-generation patrol craft to enhance its frontline capabilities and ensure navigational safety in and around the Port of Singapore.
In a statement, MPA said the new 17-metre patrol craft will be equipped with the Intelligent Port Marine System to enhance its seaward capabilities in conducting enforcement patrols.
The vessels will have predictive capabilities using real-time and historical data to carry out targeted enforcement and response mitigation.
Furthermore, they will integrate data analytics with onboard surveillance, navigation and communication systems to improve information relay from the craft to shore-based command centres and increases MPA port inspectors awareness.
The new patrol craft will also possess new surveillance capabilities such as the multi-sensor marine thermal cameras, chemical gas detectors and drones.
Each patrol craft will have a rescue boat fitted with a man overboard recovery system and towing capabilities for small craft to support search and rescue operations.
Equipped with a dispersant spray system and containment booms, the patrol craft can also be deployed to respond to oil spills.
The six new patrol craft replace the existing fleet of patrol craft, which operated between 2012 and 2020.
Captain Kevin Wong, MPA’s Port Master, said, “The next-generation patrol craft and launches enhance our incident response capabilities and improve the operational effectiveness of our officers in conducting their work in the Port of Singapore.
“MPA consistently explores and adopts new technology to meet our operational needs and improve our frontline capabilities. The feedback we received from our officers were integral to the design of these vessels.”
