MPA, IRENA join forces on energy transition in maritime and port sectors

The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) and the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) aimed at accelerating the energy transition of global maritime and port sectors.

As disclosed, the agreement was inked in Singapore on October 22, 2024. Under the MoU, MPA and IRENA will combine their knowledge of renewable energy and maritime innovation to promote knowledge exchange and best practices across the maritime and energy industries.

The partners will also focus on clean energy infrastructure and supply chains for zero—and near-zero-emission fuel.

Additionally, through capacity-building training programs, MPA and IRENA plan to support countries in transitioning to and adopting zero and near-zero emission fuels and technologies.

As part of this partnership, MPA will also facilitate the secondment of officers to IRENA.

“This partnership with IRENA brings together our complementary strengths on clean energy solutions to promote knowledge exchange, best practices, and capacity building. By working closely with diverse stakeholder groups across the maritime value chain, the partnership aims to foster an inclusive approach to decarbonisation and support for digital solutions to upskill maritime professionals and help accelerate the sector’s transition to cleaner energy,” Teo Eng Dih,  Chief Executive, MPA, said.

“IRENA has recognised international shipping as a key sector in the global economy, but also one of the most challenging to decarbonise. I commend Singapore as the world’s busiest transshipment hub with high energy demand, for demonstrating leadership in galvanising actions to decarbonise its maritime and port industries,” Francesco La Camera, Director-General, IRENA, stated.

He also noted that synergies and enhanced collaborations between stakeholders are two things that the sector needs to accelerate the path to net zero.

To remind, MPA recently signed an agreement with Shandong Provincial Transport Department to establish a new green and digital shipping corridor (GDSC) aimed at fostering sustainable and technologically advanced maritime trade between Singapore and China’s Bohai and Yellow Sea regions.