Sea Transport Industry Digital Plan (IDP)
The Sea Transport Industry Digital Plan is a collaborative initiative between MPA and IMDA to support digital transformation in Singapore's sea transport sector. This programme provides guidance, resources, and support for maritime companies to adopt digital technologies, improve operational efficiency, and enhance competitiveness. The plan includes digital readiness assessment, technology adoption roadmaps, and funding support for qualifying digitalization projects. It forms part of the broader industry transformation efforts to position Singapore as a smart maritime hub.
Eligibility Criteria
- 01
Sea transport companies and maritime service providers
- 02
Companies must be Singapore-registered
- 03
Projects should demonstrate clear digital transformation objectives
- 04
Alignment with industry digital plan guidelines required
How to Apply
1. Access the Industry Digital Plan resources through IMDA SME Digital Tech Hub 2. Conduct digital readiness assessment for your maritime business 3. Develop digital transformation roadmap aligned with industry guidelines 4. Apply for relevant funding support through appropriate channels 5. Implement approved digital solutions with ongoing support
Claims and Disbursement
Funding provided based on approved digital transformation milestones. Companies must demonstrate progress in digital adoption and provide regular updates on implementation outcomes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Sector-specific guide providing digital transformation roadmap, best practices, and funding opportunities for sea transport companies
Provides structured approach to digital adoption, access to funding, and industry-specific guidance for technology implementation
Through IMDA SME Digital Tech Hub portal which hosts industry-specific digital transformation resources
While accessible through SME hub, the plan can benefit maritime companies of various sizes seeking digital transformation
Related Grants
Logistics Industry Digital Plan (IDP)
Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) / Enterprise Singapore
Up to 50% co-funding through PSG, capped at S$30,000 per company per financial year, plus free digital consultancy via CTO-as-a-Service
The Logistics Industry Digital Plan (IDP) is part of the SMEs Go Digital programme, aligned to the Logistics Industry Transformation Map (ITM). It provides a step-by-step guide on the digital solutions SMEs in the Logistics industry can adopt at each stage of their growth. The first Logistics IDP was launched in 2017 and has been jointly refreshed by IMDA, Enterprise Singapore (ESG), and the industry to introduce new digital solutions that meet current and anticipated future needs. The refreshed Logistics IDP includes new digital solutions across different growth stages, a new Digital Training Roadmap to help SMEs identify relevant training programmes for workforce upskilling, integrated and advanced digital solutions for deeper digital capabilities, a roadmap on Cybersecurity and Data Protection measures, and Change Management guidance. A 2021 IMDA survey showed that IDP-recommended digital solutions improved overall work process efficiency, with ~85% of respondents observing time savings and 75% noting manpower-efficient digital solutions reduced dependency on manual labour.
SMEs Go Digital
IMDA
Up to 50% of eligible costs for SMEs (30% for non-SMEs), capped at S$30,000 per company per financial year
The SMEs Go Digital programme is IMDA's flagship initiative to help small and medium enterprises (SMEs) adopt digital technologies to improve operations and generate new revenue. SMEs are at the heart of Singapore's economy, employing two-thirds of the workforce and contributing nearly half of Singapore's GDP. The programme aims to make going digital simple and accessible for all SMEs, regardless of their current digital maturity level. Building on the foundation of the Enhanced iSPRINT programme, SMEs Go Digital takes a more structured and inclusive approach towards digital solution adoption. It provides SMEs with sector-specific Industry Digital Plans (IDPs) as step-by-step guides, access to pre-approved digital solutions with grant support through the Productivity Solutions Grant (PSG), and digital consultancy services through the CTO-as-a-Service platform. The programme encompasses several key components: Industry Digital Plans covering 22 sectors, pre-approved solutions with PSG grant support, the CTO-as-a-Service platform (serving 400,000+ users in 2024), Advanced Digital Solutions (ADS), the GenAI Navigator tool, and InvoiceNow for e-invoicing.
Land Transport Innovation Fund (LTIF)
Land Transport Authority (LTA)
Up to S$2 million per project (part of S$25 million fund over 5 years)
The Land Transport Innovation Fund (LTIF) supports innovation and technology development in Singapore's land transport sector. LTA has committed S$25 million over five years to kick-start mobility-related research and trials for the industry. The fund aims to create innovative transport solutions through strong public-private partnerships and is designed to grow the land transport industry into one enabled by technology while developing a highly competent workforce. The initiative supports the Land Transport Industry Transformation Map 2025 objectives for a sustainable, resilient, and cost-effective transport system.
GenAI Navigator
IMDA
Comprehensive support programme (not direct cash grant) including visa facilitation, capital connections, and strategic advisory
The Global Founder Programme (GFP) is a programme launched by EDB to attract experienced, seasoned business founders and innovators to launch and scale their next venture from Singapore as their global headquarters. It strengthens Singapore's startup ecosystem by supporting innovative ventures with the potential to become global industry leaders. The GFP follows a three-stage model: Start (soft landing/networking) → Build (establishment/team formation) → Accelerate (market expansion/capital connection). It is not a direct cash grant but rather a comprehensive support programme providing visa facilitation, capital connections, and strategic advisory services.
Maritime Innovation & Technology (MINT) Fund
Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA)
Funding varies based on project scope and innovation potential
The Maritime Innovation and Technology Fund (MINT Fund) supports research and development initiatives in Singapore's maritime sector. Administered by MPA, this fund promotes innovation and technology adoption to enhance the competitiveness and sustainability of Singapore's maritime industry. The fund supports projects that advance maritime technology, improve operational efficiency, and contribute to the development of next-generation maritime solutions. This aligns with Singapore's vision to be a leading smart maritime nation.
Maritime Cluster Fund (MCF)
Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore
Funding amounts vary based on programme and initiative type
The Maritime Cluster Fund (MCF) is administered by the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore to support the development of maritime talent and cluster growth. The fund focuses on developing capabilities within Singapore's maritime ecosystem, supporting training initiatives, talent development programmes, and cluster strengthening activities. This aligns with MPA's broader strategy to position Singapore as a leading international maritime centre and develop a skilled maritime workforce to support the industry's continued growth and competitiveness.