The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) is a statutory board which came into operation on 2 February 1996, having been established by the MPA Act (1996). The MPA was formed by merging the Marine Department, the National Maritime Board and the regulatory departments of the Port of Singapore Authority.
As Singapore's National Sea Transport Representative, the MPA protects the Republic's maritime/port interests in the international arena. The MPA also acts as a developer working with other agencies to make Singapore a top maritime centre by building a strong merchant shipping fleet and by meeting the training needs of the shipping/port industry. As Port Authority, the MPA controls vessel movements, ensures navigational safety and manages the marine environment in the port.
Other functions of the MPA include the promotion of the use, improvement and development of the port; the licensing and regulation of marine services and facilities as well as port services and facilities; the regulation of the port industry's economic behaviour; and working with other agencies to promote Singapore's merchant fleet and to make the Republic a top international maritime centre.
The MPA also acts as the Government's Advisor on matters relating to sea transport, marine and port services and facilities.
