Singapore Strengthens Ship Registry with Digital Upgrade as SRS Turns 60
Singapore is strengthening its ship registry capabilities as the Singapore Registry of Ships (SRS) marks 60 years, with new digital technology and alternative-fuel initiatives supporting the country’s evolving shipping industry. Established in 1966, the SRS is preparing for a new ship registration system designed to simplify registration for shipowners and ship agents.
At the SRS Forum on 2 October 2026, Senior Minister of State for Law and Transport Murali Pillai highlighted the importance of continued partnerships as Singapore strengthens the SRS during the maritime industry’s digital and green transition. The forum was attended by industry and union partners.
New Digital Ship Registration System Planned for 2027
The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) will launch a new ship registration system in the first half of 2027.
The system will integrate the complete registration process, from application submission to certificate issuance, while incorporating AI capabilities to support the vetting and processing of applications.
For standard applications, processing time will be reduced from up to three working days to just a few minutes. Certificates will be issued upon completion of the process.
The new system will also give shipowners and ship agents greater visibility over the status of their applications. MPA will invite industry stakeholders to participate in pilot trials in the coming months to refine the system before its launch.
Singapore Ship Registry Reaches 137 Million Gross Tonnage
Since its establishment in 1966, the Singapore Registry of Ships has grown to more than 4,400 vessels.
As of 31 December 2025, the SRS reached a record 137 million gross tonnage (GT), a 27% increase from the previous year. This made Singapore the world’s fourth-largest ship registry.
With an average vessel age of about 11 years, the SRS is currently the youngest fleet among the world’s top 10 ship registries. Singapore also continues to rank among the leading flags under the Tokyo and Paris Memoranda of Understanding on Port State Control and qualifies for the United States Coast Guard’s QUALSHIP 21 programme.
Singapore-Registered Fleet Adopts Alternative Fuels
The Singapore-registered fleet is also evolving as shipping companies adopt alternative fuels.
Since 2020, eight methanol-fuelled vessels have been registered with the SRS. The registry is expected to flag its first ammonia dual-fuelled vessel next month.
Green Ship Programme Records 74 Qualifying Vessels
A record 74 vessels from 28 companies qualified for MPA’s Green Ship Programme this year after adopting solutions that exceeded prevailing environmental regulatory requirements.
Seaspan Corporation was recognised for contributing the highest net tonnage to the SRS in 2025/2026. The full list of SRS Award recipients is included in the annex.
SailMAP Supports Maritime Talent Development
The SRS Forum also recognised 13 local seafarers under the Sail Milestone Achievement Programme (SailMAP).
Since its launch in 2022, SailMAP has supported more than 100 local seafarers in progressing toward higher levels of shipboard competency. The programme contributes to efforts to strengthen Singapore’s maritime talent pipeline.
Digitalisation and Green Shipping Initiatives
The SRS’s 60th anniversary comes as Singapore advances digital ship registration, alternative-fuel adoption and green shipping initiatives.
The planned registration system will integrate the application and certificate process and use AI capabilities to support application vetting and processing. At the same time, the Singapore-registered fleet is expanding its use of alternative fuels, with eight methanol-fuelled vessels already registered and the first ammonia dual-fuelled vessel expected to join the registry next month.
With more than 4,400 vessels and 137 million GT, the SRS continues to develop alongside changes in the global shipping industry, while programmes such as SailMAP support the development of Singapore’s maritime workforce.
