What does Singapore’s smart logistics infrastructure reveal about future mobility planning?
Smart Logistics Infrastructure: Planning the Future Beneath Our Feet
Singapore is reshaping logistics through bold, forward-looking infrastructure:
- The Jurong Innovation District features a fully integrated District Logistics Network—complete with underground freight tunnels, smart depots, and industrial corridors. The project is designed to remove up to 20% of surface truck traffic in the west.
- The Tuas Mega Port, once fully completed by 2040, will be the world’s largest fully automated port, capable of handling 65 million TEUs annually with autonomous guided vehicles operating around the clock.
- The CETRAN test centre provides a controlled urban simulation zone for all autonomous vehicle (AV) testing before public-road deployment. Designed to mimic real-world road complexity, it supports Singapore’s “test-before-scale” philosophy.
These innovations are built not just for efficiency—but for environmental resilience and digital mobility orchestration.
How are autonomous vehicle trials integrated into the broader logistics strategy?
Autonomous Vehicle Trials: From Concept to Cargo Routes
Singapore’s autonomous vehicle strategy is deeply embedded in its logistics masterplan:
- In 2024, FairPrice began using Zelos Z10 autonomous trucks for goods transfer between Joo Koon and Benoi. The electric vehicles carry 1.5 tonnes, operate up to 210 km per charge, and are expected to increase logistics productivity significantly.
- Across industrial estates, autonomous road sweepers and freight AVs are being tested to support off-peak, low-emission urban operations.
- Multiple shuttle AV pilots are underway in Sentosa, Punggol, and Tengah—providing insights into vehicle behavior, safety, and routing that will soon inform heavy cargo transit and shared transport solutions.
Singapore's advantage is that AV trials are choreographed with logistics infrastructure, not separated from it.
What role does public policy play in accelerating next-gen urban mobility in Singapore?
Public Policy: From Sandbox to System
Singapore’s logistics innovation is policy-driven, not tech-driven alone. The government has created a structured environment where new technologies can be safely tested, iterated, and scaled:
- The Road Traffic Act was amended to legalize AV trials under strict licensing and route control. This regulatory sandbox now runs through 2027, allowing both tech validation and data-driven policymaking.
- Autonomous vehicles must pass simulation tests at CETRAN and undergo phased approvals—ensuring readiness across vehicle software, communications, and emergency override systems.
- Urban zones like Jurong Innovation District are required to integrate AV infrastructure—such as smart traffic signals, geofencing tools, and roadside units—from the start.
Singapore’s model showcases how strong governance can accelerate mobility innovation while safeguarding the public.
How will these innovations improve supply chain efficiency and reduce congestion?
Tangible Gains: Cleaner, Smarter, Faster Logistics
The benefits of autonomous logistics are becoming real:
- Productivity: Early estimates show AVs like Zelos Z10 can boost utilization by 15–20% per route while reducing idle time, delivery gaps, and labor pressure.
- Decongestion: Jurong’s underground logistics is projected to eliminate a significant portion of freight traffic from surface roads—freeing space for passenger and light vehicles.
- Carbon efficiency: With 24/7 automated operation, electric AVs can reduce emissions and support Singapore’s national sustainability goals without expanding the labor base.
- Operational consistency: Drones, sweepers, and AVs offer fixed-schedule logistics execution that’s less prone to human delay—benefiting e-commerce fulfillment and retail restocking.
Could Singapore’s logistics and AV ecosystem serve as a benchmark for ASEAN cities?
Regional Benchmarking: A Blueprint for ASEAN Cities
Singapore’s approach offers lessons for the region:
- Modular infrastructure: Jurong’s tunnel-based design can be adapted to industrial zones in Bangkok, KL, or Ho Chi Minh City where surface congestion is high.
- Policy framework: Sandbox-based AV testing laws can be replicated by other governments to attract foreign investment and de-risk trials.
- Public-private partnerships: Singapore’s collaboration model (FairPrice + Zelos, LTA + CETRAN) creates a viable path for logistics and tech firms to co-develop, rather than compete.
Already, Thailand’s EEC and Malaysia’s Digital Economy Blueprint cite Singapore’s logistics policies as references for future smart city developments.
ASEAN Comparison: Logistics Infrastructure vs. AV Pilot Deployment
Singapore leads both in infrastructure maturity (score of 10) and the number of active autonomous vehicle trials (>6), while neighboring countries show early-stage innovation but fewer integrated deployments.
| Country | Major Logistics Infrastructure | AV Pilot Project |
| Singapore | Underground network, Tuas Mega Port | >6 |
| Thailand | Leam chabang expansion | 2 (bus, drone) |
| Malaysia | Port Klang automation plans | 1 |
| Indonesia | Jakarta logistic hubs | 1 |
| Vietnam | Saigon Industial Park shift | 0-1 |
Final Take
Singapore autonomous logistics innovation is more than a collection of pilot projects—it’s a national transformation. By embedding AV technology within new logistics hubs, supported by real-time policy and public-private orchestration, Singapore has created a living blueprint for smart, sustainable urban mobility.
As Southeast Asian cities prepare for the next era of movement, Singapore proves that infrastructure, policy, and automation can—and must—move together.
Work With Eurogroup Consulting SEA
We support governments and logistics leaders to:
- Design AV-ready logistics hubs
- Build adaptive policy frameworks
- Pilot and scale autonomous mobility systems
Let’s co-develop ASEAN’s next urban mobility chapter. Contact us today
FAQs
1: What makes Singapore’s logistics infrastructure “smart”?
Singapore integrates underground freight, autonomous-ready roads, and data-driven transport controls from the design stage—unlike retrofitted systems in most cities.
2: How are autonomous trucks different from AV cars?
They’re heavier, often electric, and designed for fixed-point logistics (e.g. warehouse to depot). Their operating zones and safety systems are customized for cargo needs.
3: Can other ASEAN cities adopt similar models?
Yes. Singapore’s model is modular—cities can implement AV sandboxes, smart roads, and hub designs independently based on their needs and maturity.
