In another bid to boost maritime security, the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) is funding a new satellite communications tracking system for sea vessels.
The product, called MobilT, was developed in Singapore and Australia by satellite communication service provider, THISS Technologies.
It is the first project to be funded by MPA’s $100 million Maritime Innovation and Technology Fund set up in September last year.
The fund aims to support maritime research and development, and THISS Technologies will receive $560,000 from it.
MobilT is a satellite tracking system that allows port authorities and other shore-based facilities to monitor the position and status of ships at sea through a terminal fitted on board the vessel.
Mr Nick Hart, chief executive officer of THISS Technologies, explained that MobilT is different from other tracking devices because of the satellite technology it uses.
Existing systems cost around US$2,000 (S$3,400) and each time data is transmitted, it costs five to 10 US cents.
Mr Hart explained that operating costs for MobilT will be more than 20 times cheaper because the network capacity of the satellite provider it uses is much bigger.
Information will also be transmitted much faster.
He declined to comment on the price of the product but said that it will be more affordable than other tracking devices on the market.
THISS Technologies plans to start selling the product in September this year to the maritime security market as well as other industries that need to track the movement of vehicles or even trains.
