MPA announces maritime energy transition collaborations with international agencies

30 May 2024

In April 2024, the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (“MPA”) announced two maritime energy transition collaborations with international agencies to accelerate maritime decarbonisation and digitalisation.

MPA and IEA MoU to accelerate maritime decarbonisation and digitalisation

On 17 April 2024, MPA and the International Energy Agency (“IEA”) announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (“MoU”) to deepen the partnership between the two organisations and accelerate maritime decarbonisation and digitalisation. In line with the goals of the International Maritime Organization (“IMO”) and international energy and climate targets, MPA and IEA will collaborate to advance the development of and transition to zero and near-zero emission fuels, technologies that support maritime decarbonisation, as well as digital technologies that support sustainability solutions.

The MoU will also enable the sharing of best practices across maritime and energy industries, support the adoption and transition of zero and near-zero emission fuels by these industries through capacity building training programmes, and contribute to relevant fuel-related projects and initiatives such as the IMO-Singapore NextGEN and NEXTGen Connect Initiatives.

MPA and CSIRO take next steps to catalyse maritime decarbonisation and support Singapore-Australia Green and Digital Shipping Corridor

On 17 April 2024, MPA and the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (“CSIRO”) announced the Australia-Singapore Initiative on Low Emissions Technologies (“ASLET”) for maritime and port operations to help reduce emissions in the maritime sector.

On 19 April 2024, the first ASLET Steering Committee meeting, led by representatives from MPA, CSIRO and Singapore’s Agency for Science, Technology and Research, was convened. The Steering Committee aims to provide strategic direction and evaluate and approve projects on low emission technology projects for maritime and port operations.

The Steering Committee intends to issue a grant call to develop a pipeline of projects consistent with its focus areas and accelerate joint efforts between both countries in maritime decarbonisation. As part of ASLET, both Singapore and Australia will commit up to S$10 million each in their respective currencies to deliver projects under the initiative. It is expected that the programme will also attract industry co-funding. The initiative will facilitate the research, demonstration, and commercialisation of zero and near-zero greenhouse gas emission technologies, fuels, and energy sources for use in maritime shipping and port operations.

ASLET intends to support the outcomes of the Singapore and Australia Green and Digital Shipping Corridor, which will help decarbonise and digitalise shipping routes between Singapore and Australia. ASLET is expected to unlock new fuel solutions and accelerate the deployment and uptake of zero or near-zero greenhouse gas emission technologies at scale, and will explore cooperation opportunities between Australia and Singapore in green shipping and port infrastructure initiatives.

Reference materials

The following materials are available on the MPA website www.mpa.gov.sg: