MPA Singapore, SIPAC join forces on digital and green maritime innovation

The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) and China’s Suzhou Industrial Park Administrative Committee (SIPAC) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate on digital and green maritime innovation.

As informed, the MPA and SIPAC will work together to facilitate discovery and exchanges among enterprises, promoting the application of innovative technologies and supporting joint demonstrations of maritime technology solutions.

Specifically, these efforts will cover technologies to facilitate the efficient flow of goods, the cross-border flow of shipping data, as well as the digitalization and automation of ports and shipping.

In addition, both sides will further cooperate on talent development for maritime green technologies and future marine fuels in order to make “international shipping more sustainable”.

The MoU was signed at the 20th Joint Council for Bilateral Cooperation (JCBC) held in Singapore, an annual forum between China and Singapore where both countries discuss and coordinate bilateral collaboration.

Both countries also agreed to commence discussions to enhance the existing green and digital shipping corridors between Singapore and Tianjin, and also with Shandong, to a national-level agreement.

This collaboration will promote the exchange of digital certificates, foster innovation, support the development of green solutions, and enhance manpower training.

To remind, back in December 2023, the MPA and Tianjin signed an MoU to create a green shipping corridor to support the decarbonization, digitalization, and growth of the maritime industry.

According to the partners, the corridor will serve as a valuable testbed for both countries to pilot and trial digital solutions, alternative fuels and technologies, and facilitate talent development to support the decarbonization and digitalization of shipping. 

Meanwhile, in October this year, the Port of Singapore and Shandong Provincial Transport Department agreed 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.