The Singapore Registry of Ships (SRS) is celebrating its 60th anniversary with plans to modernize ship registration and adapt to a fleet increasingly utilizing alternative fuels. Established in 1966, SRS now oversees over 4,400 vessels, achieving a record gross tonnage of 137 million by the end of 2025, marking a 27% increase year-on-year. This growth positions Singapore as the fourth-largest ship registry globally, with an average fleet age of approximately 11 years, the youngest among the top ten registries.
At the SRS Forum on October 2, Senior Minister of State for Law and Transport Murali Pillai emphasized the importance of industry collaboration in addressing shipping’s digital and energy transitions. A major development is the planned introduction of a new digital ship registration system by the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) in the first half of 2027. This system will streamline the registration process, incorporating artificial intelligence to expedite application vetting, potentially reducing processing times from days to minutes.
Additionally, SRS is adapting to the evolving fuel landscape, welcoming eight methanol-fueled vessels since 2020 and anticipating its first ammonia dual-fuel vessel in November. This year, a record 74 vessels from 28 companies qualified for MPA’s Green Ship Programme, highlighting their commitment to environmental standards. The anniversary forum also recognized 13 Singaporean seafarers through the Sail Milestone Achievement Programme, which has supported over 100 local seafarers since 2022.
