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PSA Ventures: The Go-To Venture partner for Maritime Logistics Disruptors

4–6 minutes

Image credit: container-news.com

Global trade increasingly relies on smart port operations to manage mounting container volume, decarbonize logistics, and build resilience across supply chains. Traditional manual terminal processes struggle with inefficiencies, emissions, and rising labour costs. Ports like Singapore’s Tuas are transforming into automated ecosystems but require next-generation technologies to support scalability, energy transition, and digital optimization. This catalyzed the evolution of PSA unboXed into PSA Ventures, the corporate VC and builder arm of PSA International, dedicated to delivering terminal automation, green energy, supply-chain intelligence & digital trust solutions. PSA Ventures evolved from PSA unboXed, with strong support from Group CEO Ong Kim Pong, with day to day operations led by Eddy Ng and headed by Alvin Foo.

Initial seed investment was SGD 20 million (USD ~15 million) under PSA unboXed in 2016 for early stage logistics tech startups. In January 2025, PSA formally relaunched as PSA Ventures, with access to PSA International’s deeper capital and global strategic partnerships. It now invests directly into companies and IP commercialization in four thematic areas: terminal tech, green energy, supply-chain & logistics, data & digital. Its co-investors include large funds such as LG Technology Ventures (supported in a Series A round for a portfolio company) and Saudi Arabia’s NIDLP as a strategic collaborator announced in February 2025. From its portfolio page, PSA Ventures supports technologies such as:

  • Venti Technologies, founded by MIT veterans, whose AI-powered autonomous prime movers navigate port and warehouse environments. It raised US $28.8 million Series A, led by LG Technology Ventures, supported by PSA Ventures, and is piloting at PSA terminals in Singapore.

Another notable portfolio includes several innovative companies transforming the logistics, supply chain, and energy sectors. Clockwork Logistics System offers enhanced control and visibility across B2B supply chains, ensuring that all stakeholders are informed with real-time proof of delivery. Deliveree operates as an app-powered marketplace that facilitates goods transportation for businesses across Southeast Asia, streamlining logistics through technology. Hakovo simplifies international trade by providing a digital platform that manages cross-border logistics efficiently. Haulio focuses on digital container trucking within Southeast Asia, improving the coordination and delivery of freight. Roambee enhances supply chain operations with better visibility and intelligence through smart tracking solutions. Rippey.AI develops pre-built software bots specifically designed for the logistics and supply chain industries, enabling automation and efficiency. Lastly, Flow Tech delivers low-cost, efficient energy storage through its modular vanadium redox flow batteries, supporting sustainable energy solutions.

Value for Seafarers & Companies:

  • Reduced manual labour and safer operations via autonomous vehicles.
  • Precision scheduling, lower turnaround time, predictive maintenance.
  • Enhanced cargo tracking, transparency, and risk management.
  • Green energy adoption and lower carbon footprint.

PSA Ventures works by integrating their portfolio companies in smart automation, AI, energy systems, and digital platforms directly into maritime terminal operations to transform them into efficient, sustainable, and data-driven ecosystems. The technology functions within PSA’s Living Lab, allowing startups to co-develop and test innovations onsite before being scaled across PSA’s global terminals. This integrated model answers the maritime industry’s need for faster cargo handling, reduced carbon impact, and predictive logistics, ultimately supporting smarter global supply chain connectivity.

One notable case study under PSA Ventures is the deployment of autonomous prime movers developed by Venti Technologies at PSA’s Pasir Panjang Terminal in Singapore, where AI-driven vehicles operate alongside traditional systems to move containers efficiently and safely, demonstrating the viability of autonomous logistics in live maritime environments. Another use case involves the integration of modular energy storage systems from portfolio startups to support electrification of quay cranes and yard equipment, reducing reliance on diesel and cutting emissions significantly. Additionally, PSA Ventures-backed SaaS platforms are being used to enhance cargo visibility and supply chain coordination, offering real-time tracking and predictive analytics that help shipping lines and logistics providers make faster, data-informed decisions. These applications not only improve operational performance but also set new standards for sustainable, tech-enabled port ecosystems across PSA’s global network.

PSA Ventures has also established strategic partnerships with prominent organizations to advance innovation in maritime and logistics sectors, including a landmark collaboration with Saudi Arabia’s National Industrial Development and Logistics Program (NIDLP) to co-develop technologies in port automation, green energy, and digital supply chains. PSA International itself, operating over 60 terminals across more than 40 countries, serves as both a client and testbed, offering startups immediate industry access and scalability. Additional partnerships with venture capital firms such as LG Technology Ventures and innovation hubs like Israel’s theDOCK further enhance PSA Ventures’ ecosystem, enabling co-investment and global outreach that support the adoption of cutting-edge solutions across maritime nodes and logistics corridors.

PSA Ventures’ venture-builder model has proven itself able to accelerate time-to-market for maritime innovations by providing startups with access to real port environments, capital, and global deployment networks. With its global reach and deep partnerships, PSA Ventures should be top of mind for an start-ups looking to add value to the maritime logistics sector.

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