The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) together with eight internationally renowned organisations have signed a Letter of Intent (LoI) to engage in the fields of marine digitisation and decarbonisation.
During the Accelerating Decarbonisation Conference conducted at the recently held Singapore Maritime Week, the LOI was signed. Under the terms of the agreement, MPA and the eight classification societies will work together in areas such as intelligent and autonomous shipping, cyber security, electrification, and zero- and low-carbon fuels. This will contribute to the advancement of new technologies and solutions, which will benefit the maritime community worldwide.
With a focus on initially meeting Singapore’s needs, MPA and the classification societies will endeavour to produce standards and technical references in the fields of maritime digitalisation and decarbonisation. This might include marine electrification as well as zero- or low-carbon marine fuels like methanol, ammonia, and hydrogen.
To promote sustainable shipping and the digital transition, the Singapore Registry of Ships (SRS) and classification societies each have their own voluntary green, cyber, smart, and welfare notations.
For ships that have already received class notations to apply for and receive equivalent SRS notations, MPA and the relevant classification bodies will investigate the creation of a more effective application process. If necessary, MPA will engage in bilateral safeguards negotiations with the relevant classification societies.
Also, the MPA and the classification societies will work together to improve the safety, security, and efficiency of new designs. This is true for both ocean-going and harbour boats. The development of new training curricula for developing skills related to digitalisation and decarbonisation would be an area of potential collaboration to prepare the marine workforce to operate increasingly sophisticated vessels.
Hence, Singaporean law applies to this Letter of Intent. To make sure that attempts for application in foreign markets comply with the relevant rules and regulations, MPA will engage with the relevant classification organisations.
The eight classification societies are also permitted by MPA to perform statutory certification, survey, inspection, and audit services for ships with Singaporean registrations as Recognised Organisations.
Teo Eng Dih, Chief Executive of MPA stated that there is a need for collaboration to learn from one another, partner with like-minded stakeholders to build capabilities and accelerate the development and adoption of new technologies because of the rapid changes brought on by decarbonisation and digitalisation.
This LOI will open the door for MPA to collaborate with these eight recognised classification societies to create standards and help create creative, workable, and affordable solutions with trading partners, partners in green and digital shipping corridors, and the international marine community.
Additionally, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between MPA and a technology company that leads the world in cutting-edge technologies and lifecycle solutions for the marine and energy markets aim to work together in mutually beneficial domains to facilitate the introduction of next-generation renewable fuels, optimise digital port operations, and foster the growth of future talent.
According to the agreement, the technology group and MPA will research renewable fuel technologies and seek out partnerships with diverse stakeholders to develop green fuel safety concepts and procedures that will guarantee the safe handling and use of future fuels. The gained knowledge will aid in the creation of international standards for marine fuel safety.
By creating dependable, secure, and affordable data exchanges between vessels and port operations, the parties will work to increase the efficiency of port operations. Together, they are going to look into cyber hazards and risks to shipboard systems, ship-shore system communications, and MPA’s digital platforms. They will also prepare the future marine workforce with digitalisation and decarbonisation-related skills and capabilities.
