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.

“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.
Source: Singapore Maritime Foundation (SMF)