Singapore charts new maritime training path in shore-based and cyber tracks
The city-state expands shore-based and cyber maritime training as industry shifts toward digital operations.
Singapore will launch new maritime education and training programmes from 2026 across vessel management, maritime business, engineering research, and cybersecurity, alongside expanded scholarships and internships for students and mid-career professionals.
In a press release, the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA)–Singapore Maritime Foundation (SMF) Joint Office for Talent and Skills said it has partnered Det Norske Veritas (DNV) and the Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT) to develop a master’s-level SMF-DNV-SIT Vessel Management Programme.
The programme provides a pathway to shore-based marine and technical superintendent roles, targeting engineering and naval architecture graduates, as well as seafaring professionals transitioning to shore roles. It includes structured coursework and shipboard stints.
SMU Academy, the professional training arm of Singapore Management University (SMU), will launch the Industry Graduate Diploma in Maritime in August 2026 under its Industry Practice Master of Digital Economy.
The programme includes two certificates, which are the Advanced Certificate in Maritime Business and Management and the Advanced Certificate in Maritime Operations and Risk Management.
It covers business, finance, sustainability, operations, and strategic risk management, and is aimed at mid-career professionals moving into shore-based commercial maritime roles.
The Maritime Engineering Doctoral Training Centre, launched by SIT with industry partners, offers industrial doctorate and master’s programmes focused on applied research, including marine electrification and battery safety.
Students work with classification societies, marine technology companies, and startups, the press release noted.
MPA, the Singapore Shipping Association, SIT, and the Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD) will launch a Cybersecurity for Maritime Operational Technology programme in August 2026.
The two-month programme targets corporate IT professionals in shipping companies and uses the MariOT simulator at SUTD’s iTrust Centre for cyber incident response training.
The MaritimeONE scholarship programme, led by SMF, awarded 60 scholarships worth $1.48m in 2025 across 39 organisations and placed 169 students in internships across 81 companies.
The MPA Global Internship Award supported 42 participants in overseas placements in 2025.
MPA also maintains student exchange programmes, including cooperation with Shanghai Maritime University, and is expanding outreach to secondary schools and junior colleges to promote maritime careers.
