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MaritimeONE Case Summit 2025 Challenges Tertiary Students to Devise Tech-Driven Solutions for a Future-Ready Maritime Sector

August 1, 2025
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Participants can gain valuable industry exposure, learning opportunities through cross-disciplinary problem-solving, network with and be mentored by industry practitioners, and stand to win cash prizes 

Singapore, 1 Aug 2025 — Now in its 6th edition, the MaritimeONE Case Summit was launched yesterday by the Singapore Maritime Foundation in partnership with sponsors ARROW Asia, the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore, NorthStandard and Ocean Network Express.   

Through this annual case competition, students from Singapore’s universities and polytechnics will tap into the pulse of the maritime industry – a vital economic sector driving global trade and commerce – by tackling current real-world challenges at the intersection of maritime, business, technology and sustainability.

Students are invited to form teams of two to four, select one of four challenge statements to work on, and register by the application deadline. Participating teams will then need to submit a Proof-of-Concept and following a round of evaluation, sponsors will mentor the finalist teams through to the Grand Finals on 14 November 2025.

In tandem with the industry’s digital and green transformation, the four challenge statements offered by the sponsors range from strategies to build a future-ready maritime workforce to developing tech-driven solutions in market intelligence and proposing Maritime Digital Twin applications.

They are:

ORGANISATION

CHALLENGE SYNOPSIS

ARROW Asia

To analyse how Panamax dry bulk shipbroking has evolved between 2015–2025 and identify future challenges and opportunities. Propose technology and AI-driven strategies in market intelligence or risk management to help shipbrokers stay relevant amid shifting commodities, climate change, regulatory complexity, and digital transformation.

Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA)

To develop innovative, tech-driven solutions using the Maritime Digital Twin, a real-time virtual model of the port, to optimise vessel traffic, reduce congestion, enhance stakeholder coordination, and support safe and sustainable operations. The proposed solutions should be practical, scalable, and user-focused, aiming to improve decision-making, resource use and overall port performance.

 

NorthStandard

 

To assume the role of marine risk consultants advising a P&I Club on underwriting nuclear-powered vessels. The proposal should include: a summary of current public perceptions and strategies to reshape them; a stakeholder risk map outlining liabilities; a comparison of traditional and nuclear-related P&I claims; a risk matrix against other alternative fuels; and a clear recommendation on insuring nuclear-powered ships.

 

Ocean Network Express (ONE)

To propose bold, practical strategies to attract, develop, and retain next-generation talent – fostering adaptable mindsets, future-ready skills, and meaningful career experiences to position ONE Global HR as a driver of business transformation. These strategies should aim to build a future-ready workforce with the right mindsets, skillsets, and experiences to thrive in an evolving maritime landscape.

 



“The MaritimeONE Case Summit is a key platform for Singapore’s tertiary youths to apply critical thinking, creativity, and cross-disciplinary insights to address the complex challenges facing our industry today across digitalisation, decarbonisation and manpower and talent. I thank our sponsors — ARROW, the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore, NorthStandard, and Ocean Network Express — for their unwavering support in nurturing the next generation of maritime talent through meaningful, real-world problem statements,” said Mr. Hor Weng Yew, Chairman, Singapore Maritime Foundation.

“The future of shipbroking is continuously developing, with the next generation facing a rapidly evolving landscape shaped by digital platforms and AI. This challenge statement encourages students to think critically about the industry’s past, present and future, and to develop innovative solutions that leverage technology while recognising the need to retain the role of the shipbroker allowing for both relationship building and emotional intelligence. By harnessing a complementary relationship between unique people qualities and technological advancements, the industry can remain resilient and agile amid growing volatility from trade wars and regulatory uncertainty.

We at ARROW, recognise the importance of nurturing young talent and we are looking forward to working with each of the teams to help harness the next generation of shipping experts,” said Mr. Philipp Schulte-Westhof, Managing Director, ARROW Asia.

“The maritime sector is entering an exciting phase of digital transformation. Data and simulation technologies are changing how ports operate by enhancing situational awareness and enabling faster, more informed decisions. I look forward to the innovative solutions that our students develop using the Maritime Digital Twin to deliver practical, scalable ideas to make port operations safer and more efficient,” said Mr. Ang Wee Keong, Chief Executive of the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore.

“At NorthStandard, we are committed to supporting innovation that enables our members to trade safely and sustainably in an evolving maritime landscape. As a global P&I Club, we see it as our responsibility to lead conversations around emerging risks and to help shape the frameworks that will underpin tomorrow’s maritime industry. The MaritimeONE Case Summit is a fantastic platform from which to engage the next generation of talent in tackling complex issues—like how nuclear technology could transform shipping. We look forward to the fresh thinking and thoughtful perspectives they will bring,” said Mr. David Roberts, Head of AsiaPac, NorthStandard.

“At Ocean Network Express, we connect global trade through container shipping, linking businesses across continents. With over 90% of global trade moving by sea, our industry faces a critical talent shortage that threatens its future. Initiatives such as this Summit, organised by the Singapore Maritime Foundation, addresses this challenge directly. This event brings together bright minds to tackle real operational challenges while inspiring the next generation of maritime professionals. By investing in young talent today, we are securing both our industry’s future and the efficient flow of global trade,” said Mr. Jeremy Nixon, Chief Executive Officer, Ocean Network Express.

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About the Singapore Maritime Foundation

Established in 2004, the Singapore Maritime Foundation (SMF) fosters public-and-private sector collaboration, promotes Singapore as an international maritime centre, and develops a talent pipeline and skilled workforce to position Maritime Singapore for continued growth.

About ARROW

Founded in 1990 from London, ARROW is now one of the world’s largest privately-owned shipping and energy brokerage groups. With a global team of 400 professionals across 18 international offices, we deliver leading expertise in sale & purchase and newbuilding, dry and wet chartering, derivatives, valuations and research advisory solutions.

Our well-established reputation is built on proven track record performance, trust and deep market insight enabling our clients to navigate complex markets with confidence.

About Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA)

MPA was established on 2 February 1996 with the mission to develop Singapore as a premier global hub port and international maritime centre, and to advance and safeguard Singapore’s strategic maritime interests. MPA is the driving force behind Singapore’s maritime and port development, taking on the roles of maritime and port regulator and planner, international maritime centre champion, national maritime representative, and a champion of digitalisation and decarbonisation efforts at regional and international fora such as at the International Maritime Organization and the International Organization for Marine Aids to Navigation. MPA partners industry, research community and other agencies to enhance safety, security, and environmental protection, facilitate maritime and port operations and growth, expand multi-domain capabilities, and support the cluster of maritime ancillary services and manpower development. MPA is responsible for the overall development and growth of the maritime multi-domain and the Port of Singapore.

For more information, please visit www.mpa.gov.sg

About NorthStandard

NorthStandard offers an unmatched breadth and depth of service that supports your operations, embraces your potential, and helps your business thrive.

With the largest product range in the International Group, we provide over 10 bespoke options including P&I insurance, FD&D, Hull, War, Offshore, Strike & Delay, and more. 

Our offices span all main shipping regions, including Asia (China, Hong Kong, Singapore and Japan), Australasia (Australia and New Zealand), Europe (UK, Ireland and Greece), and the USA. 

We employ over 600 people globally for an unrivalled claims and underwriting experience, plus decades of expertise and understanding. 

NorthStandard – Taking on Tomorrow, Together.

About Ocean Network Express (ONE)

Ocean Network Express (ONE), headquartered in Singapore, is one of the world’s leading liner shipping companies. It operates a fleet of over 260 vessels with a capacity exceeding 2 million TEUs. Through its extensive global network, ONE provides reliable container shipping services to over 120 countries.

For more information, please visit www.one-line.com.

Media Contacts

David Lee
davidlee@sgmf.com.sg
+65 9119 8044

Joshua Ong
joshuaong@sgmf.com.sg
+65 9011 6304

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