4th MADE Workshop:
Exploring AIS and Its Role in the Maritime Sector
On 6 March 2025, Centre for Maritime Studies at the National University of Singapore (NUS) hosted the fourth iteration of the Maritime Digital Efficiency (MADE) Workshop Series. This session focused on the Automatic Identification System (AIS) and its crucial role in maritime safety, security, and navigation. Originally designed to prevent vessel collisions, AIS has since evolved into a pivotal tool for monitoring maritime activities, enhancing operational efficiency, and supporting environmental sustainability.
Held at the Seminar Room, Level 1, Innovation 4.0 Building, the workshop brought together industry experts and academic researchers to discuss the complexities, challenges, and opportunities associated with AIS. Through insightful keynote addresses and technical presentations, attendees gained a deeper understanding of the evolving maritime landscape.
Keynote Address: Next-Generation Vessel Traffic Management and Incident Management Operations
The event commenced with a keynote address by Mr Dennis Khoo, Chief Technology Officer/Director (Maritime Systems and Technology) at the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA). Mr Khoo provided an in-depth analysis of Singapore’s strong maritime growth in 2024 and the strategic challenges ahead. He highlighted the importance of digitalisation in modernising vessel traffic management systems, showcasing the Next-Generation Vessel Traffic Management System (NGVTMS) and Integrated Port Operations C3 (IPOC). The session also covered advancements in digital twins and communication infrastructure, offering a glimpse into the future of port operations.
Expert Presentations
The workshop featured a series of thought-provoking presentations from esteemed industry professionals and researchers:
1.VHF AIS
Mr Christopher Koek Cheng Kwee, Manager of Training & Sales Consultancy at Jason Electronics Pte Ltd, provided an in-depth overview of VHF AIS. His presentation explored its functionalities, emphasising its role in enhancing navigation safety, security, and traffic management within the maritime community.
2.Maritime Domain Awareness & the Dark Fleet
Mr Charlie Brown, Regional Programme Manager at SkyLight, discussed deceptive maritime practices, particularly those employed by "dark fleet" tankers seeking to evade sanctions and vessels engaged in illegal fishing. He highlighted AI-driven tools and techniques for detecting and categorising illicit maritime activity, stressing the importance of proactive monitoring.
3.The Threat of Dark Ships to the Marine Environment: What Can Coastal States Do?
Dr Nguyen Thanh Trung, Research Fellow at the NUS Centre for International Law, examined the environmental risks posed by "dark fleet" vessels. His talk focused on identity-concealing tactics used to avoid sanctions and explored potential collaboration among littoral states around the Strait of Malacca and Singapore to enhance enforcement measures.
4.Enhancing Maritime Security and Resilience: TAPA Standards and Intelligence for the Future
Mr Tony Lugg, Chairperson of the Transported Asset Protection Association in Asia Pacific (TAPA APAC), delved into maritime security challenges such as piracy, smuggling, and cargo theft. He elaborated on how TAPA’s global standards and intelligence-sharing platforms contribute to enhancing maritime security and resilience.
5.Maritime Emissions Portal: Calculating Port Emissions Using AIS
Ms Haziqah Nasser, Geospatial Specialist at RightShip, introduced the Maritime Emissions Portal. She discussed how AIS data, combined with RightShip’s vessel database, is used to calculate port emissions, supporting international goals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from shipping.
6.From VTS to MASS: Advancing Maritime Safety with AI and Digital Technologies Leveraging Big AIS Data
Dr Ke Wang, Scientist at A*STAR Institute of High Performance Computing, showcased research from the Maritime AI Programme. His presentation demonstrated AI-driven risk detection and vessel traffic monitoring techniques designed to enhance maritime safety and efficiency.
7.AIS Insights: Container Port Performance and Shipping Network Dynamics
Dr Chu Xin, Research Fellow at the NUS Centre of Excellence in Modelling and Simulation for Next Generation Ports, presented a data-driven approach to analysing container port performance. His research leveraged AIS data to assess vessel berthing operations, identify congestion factors, and develop a web-based platform for visualising berthing activities.
Conclusion
The MADE 4th Workshop underscored the growing significance of AIS in maritime operations. With discussions spanning vessel traffic management, maritime security, emissions monitoring, and AI applications, participants gained valuable insights into how digital technologies are shaping the future of the maritime industry. As AIS continues to evolve, collaborations between industry, academia, and regulatory bodies will be instrumental in ensuring safer, more efficient, and environmentally sustainable maritime operations.
Stay tuned for future workshops in the MADE series as we continue to explore technological advancements driving maritime digital efficiency.