Singapore government has initiated the process to amend the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) Act 1996. The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (Amendment) Bill was introduced for First Reading in Parliament on 6 October 2026.
A media release by MPA said since the MPA Act was enacted in 1996, maritime operations have evolved significantly, including through greater digitalisation, emergence of new technologies such as remote operations and autonomous vessels, and increasingly complex port operations.
The Bill seeks to amend the MPA Act to address these developments, strengthen safeguards against emerging risks, and enable MPA to intervene effectively to maintain the safe, reliable, and efficient operation of the Port of Singapore. The main amendments proposed in the Bill are set out as follows.
- Strengthen MPA’s regulatory framework and powers over licensees
- Enhance MPA’s powers for prompt intervention to safeguard safety and operational continuity
- Introduce cyber security requirements for the maritime sector
- Provide for the safe use of new and emerging maritime technologies
- Strengthen MPA’s investigative and enforcement powers
The media release said, “As the maritime ecosystem becomes increasingly digitalised and interconnected, safeguarding the systems that support these operations has become increasingly important.
“The proposed amendments will establish a sectoral cyber security framework under the MPA Act, enabling MPA to designate Important Information Infrastructure, set cyber security requirements, and issue directions to safeguard these systems and infrastructure. This will complement the Cyber security Act 2018 and strengthen the sector’s preparedness for and response to cyber security risks and incidents.”
The Singapore Parliament will debate on the Bill in November 2026.