The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) and the UN Global Compact Network Singapore (GCNS) have solidified their commitment to advancing sustainability in the maritime sector by signing a memorandum of understanding (MoU) focused on enhancing carbon accounting and management capabilities. This collaboration underscores the role of digital innovation and training in driving the sector’s transition towards decarbonisation.
At the heart of this initiative is the Carbon Emissions Recording Tool (CERT), a sophisticated digital platform designed to help maritime companies track, measure, and manage their carbon emissions in real-time.
Through a series of workshops, MPA and GCNS, along with key industry associations such as the Association of Regional Ferry Operators (ARFO), the Singapore Association of Shipsuppliers and Services (SASS), and the Association of Singapore Marine & Offshore Energy Industries (ASMI), will train members on using CERT. The goal is to empower businesses with the digital tools and knowledge needed to monitor and reduce their carbon footprints effectively.
Beyond technical training, the MoU highlights the importance of integrating green financing opportunities into the industry’s broader sustainability efforts. Workshops will include guidance on accessing funding schemes that reduce the financial burden of adopting low- and zero-carbon technologies. This dual focus on digital tools and financial resources aims to accelerate the maritime industry’s shift towards greener operations while ensuring businesses remain competitive.
This partnership builds on previous collaborations between MPA and GCNS. In 2017, an earlier MoU introduced sustainability reporting training for maritime companies, which expanded in 2021 to include carbon accounting capabilities in partnership with the Singapore Shipping Association (SSA). These efforts have already resulted in 15 companies receiving the Maritime Singapore LowCarbon50 Award for their proactive decarbonisation strategies and accurate carbon reporting.
Key industry leaders have expressed strong support for this new initiative. Paul Hodgson, Chief Executive of MPA, emphasised the importance of carbon management tools in helping maritime companies meet their emission targets and compliance requirements. Veronica Lai, Vice President of GCNS, highlighted the collaborative spirit of the partnership and its role in positioning Singapore as a leader in maritime decarbonisation.
Additionally, representatives from ASMI, SASS, and SSA underscored the value of equipping their sectors with advanced ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) competencies and best practices, as the maritime industry pivots towards a low-carbon future.
The MoU also aligns with Singapore’s broader vision of becoming a green maritime hub by 2030. It supports the development of a more sustainable maritime ecosystem, where innovative digital solutions, financial incentives, and cross-industry collaboration play a crucial role.
The introduction of CERT and other digital tools is expected to enhance the accuracy and transparency of carbon reporting across the sector, setting new standards for sustainability in the global maritime industry.
In line with Singapore’s commitment to sustainable practices in the maritime sector, as demonstrated by recent collaborations in carbon management, new advancements are taking shape in port operations.
OpenGov Asia reported that Nanyang Technological University, PSA Singapore and a Japanese corporation launched a project to explore using methylcyclohexane (MCH) for hydrogen storage and transport. This initiative supports hydrogen as a clean fuel and includes the first hydrogen refuelling station at Pasir Panjang Terminal, aligned with Singapore’s sustainable port operations.
Additionally, PSA and the Energy Market Authority launched an energy storage system (ESS) at the terminal, integrating smart grid management and solar power to boost efficiency and cut emissions.
As the maritime industry faces growing pressure to reduce its carbon footprint, this initiative marks a significant step forward. By integrating advanced digital technologies, strategic financial planning, and comprehensive training programs, the MPA-GCNS collaboration is poised to play a key role in guiding Singapore’s maritime sector towards a more sustainable and resilient future.
