JOINT MEDIA RELEASE

Singapore, 27 March 2025

MPA and NUS Enterprise Strengthen Maritime Innovation Ecosystem through PIER71™
More than S$100 million raised by start-ups since 2018

1. The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) and NUS Enterprise, the entrepreneurial arm of the National University of Singapore (NUS), have renewed their partnership for another three years to further develop Singapore into a leading maritime technology start-up hub through the PIER71™ (Port Innovation Ecosystem Reimagined @ BLOCK71) programme.

2. Under the renewed partnership, MPA and NUS Enterprise will introduce new initiatives to strengthen the PIER71™ brand and programmes, attract more innovative start-ups from around the world, support their growth in Singapore, and help them expand to the region and beyond. These include:

a) Expanding the global outreach of PIER71™ by collaborating with major maritime innovation clusters and adjacent industries to attract high-quality start-ups to Singapore and support local start-ups in expanding overseas. This will be done through collaborations with partners such as NUS Enterprise as well as through MPA’s regional offices and representatives.

b) Organising technology and networking events to facilitate collaborations and profile Singapore’s vibrant MarineTech ecosystem.

c) Enhancing business support services provided by PIER71™ Landing Pad, a co-working and networking space at JTC Launchpad @ one-north, which offers specialised guidance to help MarineTech start-ups address operational and growth challenges while they establish their office in Singapore.

d) Catalysing venture capital investment and deals to support MarineTech start-ups in Singapore.

3. Since its launch in 2018, PIER71™ has nurtured over 140 MarineTech start-ups. These start-ups have raised over S$100 million in investments since the initiative was launched on 2018, with 14 start-ups raising close to S$28.9 million in 2024. MPA has awarded grant funding to 61 start-up projects, with over 27 technologies¹ developed through these projects being deployed in the maritime industry to date.

4. Mr Teo Eng Dih, Chief Executive, MPA, said, “Singapore is committed to fostering a dynamic and globally connected Marine Tech ecosystem. By expanding PIER71™’s overseas outreach, strengthening business support, and catalysing investment, we aim to attract talent and start-ups to drive the next wave of maritime innovation in support of the growth of Maritime Singapore.”

5. Dr Tan Sian Wee, Senior Vice President (Innovation & Enterprise), NUS, said, “PIER71™ has played a key role in building the maritime innovation ecosystem through our partnership with MPA, supporting over 140 start-ups that have raised over S$100 million. Renewing this collaboration will further accelerate MarineTech innovation. With NUS’ entrepreneurial resources and BLOCK71’s global network, we will continue empowering start-ups to address key maritime challenges. This partnership also reinforces Singapore’s standing as the world’s top maritime centre, a position held for 11 consecutive years.”

6. Associate Professor Benjamin Tee, Vice President (Ecosystem Building), NUS Enterprise, said, “Through initiatives like the Smart Port Challenge and PIER71™ Ascend, we have created a platform that helps start-ups innovate and scale in the maritime sector. Last year, the Smart Port Challenge received a record number of nearly 200 proposals, and we are looking forward to even more this year. These programmes provide key support, from mentorship to funding, helping MarineTech start-ups turn their ideas into impactful solutions."

^{1 Refer to Annexe A for success stories of Smart Port Challenge Alumni.}

---

Annexe A: Success Stories of Smart Port Challenge Alumni

Since its inception in 2018, the Smart Port Challenge has supported many successful start-ups. Examples include:

1. Avetics Global

Avetics Global played a key role in Singapore’s methanol bunkering trials in 2024, using drones equipped with volatile organic compound detectors and infrared cameras to remotely monitor potential leaks. Avetics drones also assisted in the recent oil spill incidents at sea to provide timely aerial footage of the spill to identify oil slicks and sheens and facilitate deployment of oil recovery vessels.

This technology has enhanced MPA’s capabilities in the Emergency Operations Centre and is supporting the industry’s move toward a multi-fuel bunkering future, contributing to efforts in decarbonisation.

2. Clear Robotics

Clear Robotics specializes in the development of unmanned, electric boats and ships designed to perform dull, dirty, and dangerous maritime tasks. Their solar-powered vessels achieve a reduction in marine emissions and fuel costs by 90%, while concurrently decreasing manpower requirements by three times. Currently, the company has deployed a fleet of over 12 vessels for various applications, including garbage removal, ship surveys, and seabed mapping, collaborating with government agencies and ports throughout Asia. These vessels are equipped with self-docking capabilities and solar charging systems, and the technology can also be retrofitted onto traditional vessels and ships. Originally based in Hong Kong, Clear Robotics has since relocated its headquarters to Singapore.

3. CRecTech

CRecTech has revolutionized the conversion of biogas into bio-methanol with its innovative catalyst technology. This breakthrough simplifies the production process from the traditional four steps to just two, eliminating several unit operations typical of conventional methods. As a result, CRecTech achieves significant energy savings, particularly in heating, due to the enhanced efficiency of its catalyst. This advanced process not only lowers the carbon footprint and production costs of bio-methanol but also enhances the accessibility and affordability of renewable methanol fuel, especially for the maritime industry.

4. Portcast

Portcast, headquartered in Singapore, Portcast is one of the first Southeast Asian companies to establish a presence at NUS Enterprise’s BLOCK71 Nagoya, which serves as a gateway for Southeast Asian startups looking to expand into Japan.