MPA signs MOU with Hamburg Port Authority and academic bodies to strengthen maritime cybersecurity cooperation

At the beginning of the 20th Singapore Maritime Week, the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Hamburg Port Authority (HPA), the Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT), the Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD), the University of Hamburg (UHH), and the Hamburg University of Technology (TUHH), to strengthen cooperation in maritime cybersecurity.

The MOU follows a letter of intent signed between HPA and MPA in 2024 to strengthen cooperation in digitalisation, decarbonisation, and cyber security.

Under the MOU, the partners will collaborate on the development of technologies to strengthen cyber resilience in port operations. These include port cybersecurity systems, unmanned surface vessels, remote ships operations, shipboard operational technology systems, and ship-shore connectivity. The partnership will also support the exchange of cybersecurity best practices to strengthen preparedness and incident response.

David Foo, Deputy Chief Executive, MPA, said: “As ports become increasingly digitalised and interconnected, cybersecurity has become a core operational priority. This partnership strengthens our ability to share timely cybersecurity related information, conduct realistic joint exercises, and build deeper technical capabilities, to help keep port operations secure, reliable, and future-ready.”

Tino Klemm, Chief Financial Officer, HPA, said: “Strengthening our cybersecurity cooperation with the MPA is an important strategic step for the Port of Hamburg. By sharing expertise and aligning technical approaches, we significantly enhance our resilience against evolving digital threats. This MOU builds on nearly a decade of trusted partnership and reinforces the security of global supply chains.”