Maritime Sector Incentive (MSI) at a glance
Agency
Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA)
Programme
Maritime Sector Incentive
Support type
Tax Incentive
Current status
Open
Funding
MSI-AIS provides tax exemption or an alternative net-tonnage basis on qualifying shipping income for a 10-year renewable or 5-year non-renewable period. MSI-SSS provides a 10% concessionary tax rate on incremental qualifying support-service income for a 5-year renewable period. MSI-ML provides tax concessions for up to 5 years on qualifying leasing income; approved managers receive a 10% concessionary rate on qualifying management income.
Cap / maximum support
No fixed public monetary cap applies; benefits depend on qualifying income and the awarded tax treatment.
What does the scheme support?
MSI-AIS covers qualifying international shipping operations; MSI-SSS covers approved ancillary shipping services; MSI-ML covers ship and sea-container leasing, financing and approved asset-management activities.
This profile should be read as a funding and eligibility guide rather than a substitute for the agency's final assessment. The approved scope, support level and claim treatment remain subject to the governing programme terms and the applicant's specific project.
Who can apply?
Applicants need a good track record and credible Singapore business plan demonstrating economic contribution through spending, professional employment, additional activities and strategic or commercial decision-making in Singapore, with award-specific requirements.
How much support is available?
MSI-AIS provides tax exemption or an alternative net-tonnage basis on qualifying shipping income for a 10-year renewable or 5-year non-renewable period. MSI-SSS provides a 10% concessionary tax rate on incremental qualifying support-service income for a 5-year renewable period. MSI-ML provides tax concessions for up to 5 years on qualifying leasing income; approved managers receive a 10% concessionary rate on qualifying management income.
No fixed public monetary cap applies; benefits depend on qualifying income and the awarded tax treatment.
What costs can qualify?
These are income-tax incentives rather than reimbursement of project expenditure.
Key conditions
MSI-SSS and MSI-ML applications must be made on or before 31 December 2031. Award recipients must meet MPA economic-contribution and business-plan commitments.
For any project where timing matters, applicants should avoid making irreversible commitments before confirming the programme's pre-start requirements. Where the scheme is discretionary or delivered through an appointed partner, the agency or programme partner retains the final decision on eligibility and quantum.
How and when should you apply?
Applicants contact MPA for award discussions and application information.
Is this scheme relevant to your project?
A strong fit is: A maritime group anchoring substantive shipping, ancillary service or leasing activity and decision-making in Singapore with measurable economic commitments.
A weak fit is: A passive structure or isolated transaction without substantive Singapore activities and commitments.
How Reeve | R&D supports the scheme
Reeve | R&D can manage the incentive workstream from initial eligibility assessment through project structuring, funding modelling, application preparation, evidence planning, agency interaction and post-award coordination, while the company or eligible applicant remains the formal applicant where required.
Frequently asked questions
What is the current status?
The current verified status is Open as of 7 October 2026. Where the programme is periodic or appointment-led, this does not necessarily mean that a general application window is continuously open.
How much support is available?
MSI-AIS provides tax exemption or an alternative net-tonnage basis on qualifying shipping income for a 10-year renewable or 5-year non-renewable period. MSI-SSS provides a 10% concessionary tax rate on incremental qualifying support-service income for a 5-year renewable period. MSI-ML provides tax concessions for up to 5 years on qualifying leasing income; approved managers receive a 10% concessionary rate on qualifying management income. No fixed public monetary cap applies; benefits depend on qualifying income and the awarded tax treatment.
What is the most important eligibility point?
Applicants need a good track record and credible Singapore business plan demonstrating economic contribution through spending, professional employment, additional activities and strategic or commercial decision-making in Singapore, with award-specific requirements.
What should be checked before committing to the project?
The applicant should confirm the live programme terms, pre-start rules, eligible cost categories and any partner, provider, appointment or milestone requirements before signing contracts or incurring supported costs.
Official programme sources
mpa.gov.sg (opens in a new tab)Last verified: 2026-10-07