MPA joins other cross-industry partners in green corridor cluster initiative that will trial decarbonising strategies for the container trade
Lloyd’s Register Maritime Decarbonisation Hub (LR MDH) and the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at collaborating on a fleet-specific decarbonisation strategy and implementation plan for ‘The Silk Alliance’ cross-industry initiative to enable zero-emission shipping across the Indian and Pacific Oceans.
Through complementary technical skills and expertise, both parties will strengthen their commitment to developing partnerships in co-creating the green corridor to trial decarbonisation strategies for container ships operating primarily in Asia to achieve significant emission-saving impact. LR MDH, which is a joint initiative between Lloyd’s Register Group and Lloyd’s Register Foundation, won the International Maritime Organisation (IMO)-MPA NextGEN Connect Challenge for the “Development of a Route-based Action Plan Methodology based on The Silk Alliance”.
The MPA’s entry into ‘The Silk Alliance’ initiative is a significant step forward towards deeper public-private sector collaboration between global maritime industry players and Singapore’s port regulator, focusing on actions to unlock key investments across the Indian and Pacific Oceans region as the green corridor cluster moves into an implementation phase.
The collaboration includes driving investments into scalable fuel supply infrastructure to meet the demand aggregation signal of members of The Silk Alliance and potential wider regional bunkering demands for alternative fuels.
MPA’s contribution to The Silk Alliance, which is based on the Lloyd’s Register Maritime Decarbonisation Hub’s “First Mover Framework”, complements efforts to establish the supply of low- and zero-carbon fuel options, and also its collaboration with other partners to develop Green and Digital Shipping Corridors.
Nick Brown, Chief Executive Officer, Lloyd’s Register, said: “We’re delighted to welcome the MPA to the expanding ‘The Silk Alliance’ cross-industry collaboration. Flag and port authorities play a crucial role in increasing the industry’s confidence in zero-emissions shipping, and as the world’s largest bunkering hub, we see Singapore and the MPA as a driving force in advancing the safe uptake of low-to-zero emissions fuel in the global shipping industry.”
Teo Eng Dih, Chief Executive of MPA, said: “MPA is pleased to be part of The Silk Alliance to accelerate the decarbonisation of container trade. The Silk Alliance will enable key stakeholders in Singapore to chart the transition towards low- and zero-carbon options. As the world’s largest transhipment container port and bunkering hub, Singapore will take active steps to support the decarbonisation of the container trade in line with IMO’s Revised Strategy to reduce emissions from shipping.”
Launched in May 2022 with 12 leading cross-supply chain stakeholders, The Silk Alliance brings together an integral group of organisations from both the private and public sector across the entire value chain of shipping. Inaugural members include port operator, PSA; shipowners, MSC Shipmanagement Ltd., Pacific International Lines (Pte) Ltd (PIL), Wan Hai Lines, X-Press Feeders, Yang Ming Marine Transport Corp.; shipyard, Seatrium; bunker logistical supplier, Singfar International; engine manufacturer, Wärtsilä; ship manager, Wilhelmsen Ship Management; and financial institutions, the Asian Development Bank and ING.
The Silk Alliance was initially focused on a baseline fleet that predominantly bunkers in Singapore and sails across Asia, East Africa, the Middle East, Australia, and the Pacific Islands. As the implementation phase rolls out, the baseline fleet’s demand is expected to eventually aggregate further to other regional hubs and deepsea routes, such as the Singapore-Rotterdam green and digital shipping corridor.
Existing partners of The Silk Alliance have conducted a feasibility scenario analysis for green shipping for an in-scope fleet of container ships. Through close collaboration with the MPA and other members of The Silk Alliance, the LR Maritime Decarbonisation Hub expects that given Singapore’s status as both the top bunkering and transhipment port, supported by its innovation ecosystem, it can help accelerate The Silk Alliance’s decarbonisation efforts.
About the Lloyd’s Register (LR) Maritime Decarbonisation Hub
The LR Maritime Decarbonisation Hub is a joint initiative between Lloyd’s Register Group and Lloyd’s Register Foundation. Our mission is to accelerate the sustainable decarbonisation of the maritime industry, by enabling the delivery and operation of safe, technically feasible and commercially viable zero-emission vessels by 2030 and beyond. We bring together thought leaders and subject matter experts with the skills, knowledge and capability to help the maritime industry design, develop and commercialise the pathways to future fuels required for decarbonisation.
For more information, go to www.maritimedecarbonisationhub.org.
About the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA)
MPA was established on 2 February 1996 with the mission to develop Singapore as a premier global hub port and international maritime centre, and to advance and safeguard Singapore’s strategic maritime interests. MPA is the driving force behind Singapore’s port and maritime development, taking on the roles of port authority, maritime and port regulator and planner, international maritime centre champion, national maritime representative and a champion of digitalisation and decarbonisation efforts at regional and international fora such as at the International Maritime Organization. MPA partners industry, research community and other agencies to enhance safety, security and environmental protection in our waters, facilitate maritime and port operations and growth, expand the cluster of maritime ancillary services, and develops maritime digitalisation and decarbonisation policies and plans, R&D and manpower development. MPA is responsible for the overall development and growth of the maritime domain and Port of Singapore. In 2022, Singapore remained one of the world’s busiest transshipment hubs with a container throughput of 37.3 million 20-foot equivalent units (TEUs).
For more information, please visit https://www.mpa.gov.sg
About Lloyd’s Register (LR)
Trusted maritime advisers, partnering with clients to drive performance across the ocean economy.
Lloyd’s Register (LR) is a global professional services group specialising in marine engineering and technology. Created more than 260 years ago as the world’s first marine classification society, to improve and set standards for the safety of ships.
Today we are a leading provider of classification and compliance services to the marine and offshore industries, helping our clients design, construct and operate their assets to accepted levels of safety and environmental compliance.
We also provide advice, support and solutions on fleet performance and operation, voyage optimisation, enhancing our clients’ digital capability. Our digital solutions are relied upon by more than 20,000 vessels.
In the race to zero emissions, our research, technical expertise and industry-firsts are supporting a safe, sustainable maritime energy transition.
Lloyd’s Register Group is wholly owned by the Lloyd’s Register Foundation, a politically and financially independent global charity that promotes safety and education.
For more information, go to www.lr.org
About Lloyd’s Register Foundation
Lloyd’s Register Foundation is an independent global charity that supports research, innovation, and education to make the world a safer place. Its mission is to use the best evidence and insight to help the global community focus on tackling the world’s most pressing safety and risk challenges. For more information, please visit www.lrfoundation.org.uk
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