Opening Address by Senior Minister of State for Transport Mr Murali Pillai at the Opening of the Singapore Registry of Ships Forum

Mr Loh Khum Yean, Chairman, Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore,

Mr Ang Wee Keong, Chief Executive, Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore,

Industry partners,

Ladies and gentlemen,

1.             Today, we celebrate a significant milestone -- the 60th anniversary of the Singapore Registry of Ships, or SRS.

2.             A registry of ships is a pledge of identity. Singapore established the SRS in 1966, barely a year after our independence. As a small island nation, Singapore understood from the beginning that our future would be bound to the sea.

3.             One of the things that we could not take for granted was that shipowners would choose us. Every ship that flies our flag carries our red and white – it is a deliberate decision to drop anchor and to place trust in Singapore.

4.             The story of the registry is not about ships or tonnage. It is a story of trust – in our flag and in our country.

5.             So how did we earn it? Let me take you back to where it all began.

Past: From Humble Beginnings

6.             In 1966, the SRS was small and untested. We had no track record and were competing against established registries. Britain, for example, had more than 4,000 merchant ships and over 21 million gross tons under their flag. By comparison, a year after the SRS was established, our register comprised less than 300 vessels of around 123,000 gross tons, with most of them being small harbour craft.

7.             But what we lacked in numbers, we made up for with a simple promise: our registration process would be simple, our terms fair, and our determination to build a credible flag iron-clad. We adopted and enforced rigorous standards, ensured prompt responses, and sought to become a regulator that understands not only the rules, but also the realities of shipping. These are anchors in uncertain seas and our commitment to them have stood steadfast from the start.

8.             Through the 1970s and 1980s, Singapore grew rapidly as a maritime centre. Our port became one of the world's busiest. Shipowners came to Singapore for bunkering, repairs and financing. Many international shipping groups decided to locate their base here. And increasingly, ships chose to fly the Singapore flag.

Present: A Story of Remarkable Growth

9.             With each passing decade, the SRS grew in vessels and tonnage. Last year, the SRS reached a record 137 million gross tonnage. Today, more than 4,400 vessels fly the Singapore flag, making the SRS the fourth-largest ship registry in the world.

10.          These are achievements worth celebrating. But we celebrate not just the growing community of Singapore flags on ships, but our joint commitment to what the Singapore flag stands for – quality and reliability.

11.          Today, the SRS has the youngest fleet among the world’s top ten ship registries, with an average age of just over 11 years^[1]. We are among the highest-quality fleets in the world. The SRS has consistently maintained our standings in key port State control regimes.

12.          This is due to the dedication and support of our ship owners and operators, who uphold these standards every day. The Singapore Shipping Association has been a longstanding partner in strengthening our maritime community. Our unions – the Singapore Maritime Officers’ Union and Singapore Organisation of Seamen – continue to champion the welfare of our seafarers.

13.          As we celebrate 60 years of the SRS, we remember that the SRS is nearly as old as our country. The reputation of the Singapore flag is something we have built together.

Future: What Must the Singapore Flag Stand for Next?

14.          The question is what comes next.

15.          Shipping is changing. New fuels, new technology and an uncertain geopolitical environment are drawing us into uncharted waters.

16.          Against this backdrop of war and digital disruption the theme of today’s Forum – “Quality and Sustainable Shipping” – may sound prosaic. But it is anything but. Against the large changes in the world, we anchor on what matters most as we prepare for the future. 

Decarbonisation: A Safe Green Transition

17.          First, decarbonisation.

18.          The transition to cleaner shipping is already visible within the Singapore fleet. The number of Singapore-flagged vessels certified to use alternative fuels continues to grow. By the end of this year, we expect to welcome the first ammonia dual-fuelled vessel to our Registry.

19.          This is encouraging. But adopting a new fuel is not simply a matter of putting new technology onboard a ship. We need people who know how to handle these fuels safely.

20.          Training partners like the Singapore Maritime Academy and Wavelink Maritime Institute are expanding their alternative fuel training programmes in Singapore, so that our seafarers and shore-based personnel are well-equipped for the green transition.

Technology: A Registry Ready for the Future

21.          Second, digitalisation.

22.          At sea, autonomous and remotely operated vessels are gaining ground. The International Maritime Organization has recently adopted the non-mandatory Code for Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships, an important step towards developing a common framework for their safe operation. Singapore will work with industry partners and classification societies to support the safe adoption and registration of such vessels under the Singapore flag.

23.          By the first half of next year, MPA will be launching its new Ship Registration System so that the Registry itself keeps pace with new developments. This follows extensive engagement with industry to review the existing ship registration process.

24.          As part of this effort, MPA is also looking at how artificial intelligence can streamline processes and make it easier for the shipowners and managers to transact with the Registry. Before I came into this hall, I met Sister Irene Goh, who joined the Registry in 1980 and she is still serving us so well after 46 years. She commented on how things have transformed from those days where we really focus on manual labour to now, we have digitalised processes.

Keeping Relationships Strong: Ships and Seafarers

25.          Third, we must remain a dependable flag State in an increasingly uncertain operating environment.

26.          Recent years have provided stark reminders. The pandemic disrupted shipping and stranded seafarers around the world. Geopolitical tensions and attacks on commercial shipping have placed vessels and crews in harm’s way.

27.          These are moments when our colours show and the relationship between a vessel and its flag State matters.

28.          During the pandemic, Singapore worked with industry and unions to facilitate safe crew changes through our port. More recently, amid attacks against ships in and around the Strait of Hormuz, MPA maintained close contact with all affected Singapore-flagged vessels and safeguarded vessel and crew.

29.          We cannot prevent disruptions that our ships may encounter around the world. But when difficulties arise, shipowners and seafarers must know that the Singapore flag stands with them as an unwavering anchor.

Celebrating Excellence: The People Behind the Flag

30.          There is one final point I would like to make.

31.          The flag belongs to our country, but its strength and vitality come from all who fly it and pledge to our values. As we celebrate this anniversary, we recognise those who have contributed to the success of the SRS. 

32.          Firstly, we will be recognising 29 shipping partners for their contributions to the growth of our quality fleet – both in terms of new tonnage and green ships registered this year.

33.          Secondly, we will also be acknowledging outstanding seafarers who have demonstrated excellence in their careers, through the milestone awards under MPA’s Sail Milestone Achievement Awards. Today, we are joined by 13 seafarers who will be receiving their SailMAP awards.

34.          One of them is Ms Pearl Win Htoo. Pearl graduated from the Singapore Maritime Academy at Singapore Polytechnic, and began her career as a deck cadet. At just 23, she has progressed to become a Third Officer and is now working towards her Class 2 Certificate of Competency. She is one of two female seafarers receiving a SailMAP award today.

35.          Mr Teo Lip Kio is further along in that journey. SailMAP has supported him across five career milestones, culminating in his attainment of the Class 1 Certificate of Competency – the highest level of seafaring qualification.

36.          Pearl and Lip Kio are at different stages of their careers, but their journeys remind us that Singapore’s maritime future rests on our people.

37.          I congratulate all our award recipients, and thank you for the part you have played in Maritime Singapore’s story.

Conclusion

38.          Ladies and gentlemen, 60 years ago, Singapore asked shipowners to place their confidence in a fledgling registry. Today, more than 4,400 vessels fly the Singapore flag.

39.          How many of our pioneers who established the SRS could have foreseen this? But they laboured nonetheless keeping faith that a reliable and strong-hearted maritime nation would have a flag worth flying. Likewise, we cannot fully predict what the next 60 years will bring. But as geopolitical shifts, the energy transition, and rapid technological advances reshape shipping, we must hew to the same dream and ambition.

40.          We must ensure the Singapore flag continue to stand for quality, safety and reliability.

41.          By remaining adaptable in a changing world while upholding the standards that define us, I am confident that the Singapore Registry of Ships will continue to earn your trust for generations of voyages to come.

42.           Thank you.

^[1] Amongst the top 10 registries, SRS has the lowest average age of 11.3 years, according to Clarksons Research’s data published in September 2026. The average ages of other ranked registries are as follows – #1. Liberia (12.6), #2. Marshall Islands (11.9), #3. Panama (19.4), and #5. Hong Kong (14.8).