Analytics propel Singapore’s green agenda

The project’s infringement analytics module aims to help Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore’s (MPA) port inspectors (PIs) use machine learning based analytics and vessel prediction models to help them enforce regulations on marine safety and environmental protection.

Andrew Tan, chief executive of MPA, said the MPA-IBM SAFER project, set up to help manage the increase in Singapore’s vessel traffic, “will enable us to reap immediate benefits especially in the areas of next-generation port enforcement and monitoring of vessel movements.”

Targeted approach

The infringement analytics module also enables PIs to take a more targeted approach when conducting patrolling and safeguarding activities inspection. This improves the efficiency of their daily routine, said MPA.

Infringement analytics is one of three completed trial modules, alongside automated movement detection and pilot boarding detection, that offer new capabilities for automating and increasing the accuracy of critical tasks that previously relied on human observation, reporting, Very High Frequency (VHF) communication, and data entry.

Other modules including bunkering analytics, prohibited area analytics, vessel traffic arrival prediction and utilisation detection and prediction, will be rolled out by January 2018.

Traffic density

They are expected to provide advanced information on traffic density within Singapore port waters, detect illegal bunkering activities, detect vessels moving into prohibited areas and predict vessel arrival time.

SAFER improves the accuracy of information in movement time and location by up to 34%, stressed MPA.