PSA commits about S$100 million to new ‘living laboratory’ for next 3 yrs

PSA Corporation announced on Monday (June 27) that it has opened a “living laboratory” in Singapore for the port and logistics industry, the PSA Living Lab, and committed close to S$100 million to the project over the next three years. (TheStraitsTimes, Singapore)

Set up with the support of the Economic Development Board (EDB) and the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA), the PSA Living Lab comprises two operational berths at Pasir Panjang Terminal. It will allow enable start-ups and technology solution providers to collaborate with PSA to develop ideas and test-bed integrated systems in a live port environment at PSA Singapore Terminals, one of the world’s busiest hubs for container movement, said the port operator in a news release.

PSA added that the PSA Living Lab is part of its ongoing programme to develop innovative and cutting-edge technology solutions for its existing terminal operations in Singapore as well as for the future Tuas Terminal. Another key project is the automated guided vehicle system, which will ramp up operations with a fleet of 30 vehicles in 2017.

“Operationally-ready solutions have the potential to be deployed at terminals of the PSA Group worldwide,” said PSA. The PSA Living Lab will also complement the PSA unboXed Incubator programme, launched last month, which seeks innovative solutions from start-ups to revolutionise container terminal operations, streamline global supply chain logistics, and enhance the efficiency of international trade with better visibility and security.

Mr Ong Kim Pong, regional chief executive of South-east Asia at PSA International, said the lab will function as “an enabling environment to nurture and grow potentially game-changing innovations and technologies for the container port sector”. “As Singapore consolidates its container port activities in Tuas from the next decade, it is imperative for PSA to become even more efficient, innovative and productive to be future-ready and contribute to the country’s status as a global hub port,” said Mr Ong.