PSA moves forward with sustainability and AI

PSA Singapore (PSA) and Pacific International Lines (PIL) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to jointly develop sustainable solutions to cut carbon emissions and optimise maritime efficiency.

The collaboration between the two long-time partners includes developing a set of low-carbon emissions routes for containers shipped by PIL via PSA. Beyond the MoU, both partners are also co-operating in GHG emissions reduction levers such as using reclaimed refrigerant and adopting PSA’s OptEVoyage, a digital solution for vessels to arrive at the port just in time to achieve bunker savings and carbon emissions reduction.

The two companies will leverage each other’s expertise, resources and innovation to work towards developing low carbon pathways.

In April 2022, PIL successfully conducted a biofuel trial using a blend of fatty acid methyl esters (FAME) and very low sulphur fuel oil (VLSFO). Encouraged by the results, PIL intends to trial another blend of biofuel on its Singapore Qinzhou Shuttle service as part of this MoU. This trial will involve a blend of 24% FAME with VLSFO.

PSA International regional chief executive southeast Asia Nelson Quek says, “Given the ever-increasing global challenges stemming from climate change, it is imperative we take proactive steps to reduce carbon emissions throughout the shipping industry. This will require the collective efforts of all players in the maritime supply chain sector. PSA is pleased to partner with PIL as we take the bold and essential step towards decarbonising the global supply chains that power our economy. We remain committed to working hand-in-hand with likeminded stakeholders as we spur concerted action towards our transition to a cleaner and sustainable future beyond the areas served by our ports.”

PSA, with the support of Enterprise Singapore, has developed OptETruck, a proprietary cloud-based transport management solution which uses artificial intelligence to facilitate smarter trip planning and eliminate operational inefficiencies for the haulier community in Singapore. It will help hauliers improve asset utilisation, reduce carbon emissions, and optimise operating costs.

One key feature of OptETruck is automated scheduling, which is enabled by a real-time resource-matching algorithm and predictive modelling to maximise resource utilisation. With this, OptETruck can match and recommend jobs so that hauliers are able to reduce the number of empty trips made across various supply chain nodes. Another important feature of OptETruck is asset pooling. This feature enables hauliers and their partners to share resources, allowing them to optimise their fleet and trips.

Multiple haulier companies have already onboarded OptETruck and with the two key features, they have been able to reduce empty truck trips by over 50%. This translates to an annual reduction of about 10M kg of CO2 emissions, which is equivalent to 300,000 trees planted in a year. 

OptETruck, together with PSA’s two other digital solutions – SmartBooking and iBOX – will be integrated to form an intelligent logistics ecosystem to digitally connect container terminals, depots, hauliers and logistics facilities in Singapore.

PSA southeast Asia head of port+ business Seow Hwee says, “OptETruck and the full suite of digital solutions will strengthen and bring about a smarter and more sustainable supply chain and logistics ecosystem in Singapore.”