Vietnam to digitize maritime operations with Singapore’s M1

Singapore’s M1 has entered into a strategic partnership with Vietnam Posts and Telecommunications Group and SSI Solutions to drive 5G adoption in Vietnam’s maritime operations.

Vietnam’s maritime operations will soon have 5G capabilities as M1 Limited (M1), Vietnam Posts and Telecommunications Group (VNPT) and SSI Solutions (SSI) enters into a strategic, non-binding Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Singapore’s M1. The MoU will see M1 work with SSI and VNPT to drive the adoption of 5G technology in Vietnam Maritime Corporation’s (VIMC) maritime operations.

With Vietnam looking to make its mark in the maritime industry, especially with more US manufacturers shifting operations to the country, the collaboration leverages M1’s proven expertise in maritime 5G solutions and VNPT’s 5G network infrastructure. Supporting the deployment of these solutions will be SSI’s seamless integration with VMC’s operational landscape.

“VNPT highly appreciates the strengths and experience of SSI and M1 in consulting and deploying 5G for vertical industries, especially the seaport industry, and hope that this cooperation would bring benefits to all parties and all would gain significant revenue from 5G technology," said Nguyen Nam Long, Vice President of VNPT Group.

Taking a deeper look into the strategic partnership, there will be advanced 5G-powered use cases introduced to optimize operational efficiency and enhance the digital transformation of VIMC’s ports.

M1, which is Singapore’s first digital network operator, is already experienced in developing 5G use cases for the maritime agency. M1 is currently collaborating with MPA and IMDA in Singapore to deploy a 5G standalone network to trial and develop new maritime 5G use cases under the MPA Innovation Lab and IMDA’s innovation and ecosystem testbed program. This include providing 5G standalone offshore coverage for the Southern coast of Singapore, including the surrounding waters of the southern islands.

In Vietnam, M1 will work with VNPT and SSI to explore applications such as tele-remote control of equipment, enhanced automated guided vehicle (AGV) operations and advanced surveillance systems.

“We have spent the last few years co-creating and introducing viable 5G-enabled commercial solutions to digitize Singapore’s maritime operations and make Maritime 5G a reality. By sharing our expertise and experience from successful use cases, we are contributing to the modernization of one of Southeast Asia’s most critical maritime hubs,” commented Andrew Cheng, M1’s Chief, Enterprise Services.

Cheng added that the partnership marks a significant milestone in M1's regional growth strategy.

“With the successes and learnings from our project in Singapore, we are now scaling across Asia and supporting the region’s digital aspirations,” he said.