In a significant move towards enhancing bilateral maritime relations, the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA Singapore) has signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) with the Hamburg Port Authority (HPA) Anstalt öffentlichen Rechts. This partnership aims to accelerate efforts in maritime decarbonisation, digitalisation, and cybersecurity.
The signing ceremony, which took place recently, was attended by Senior Minister of State for the Ministry of Sustainability and the Environment and the Ministry of Transport, Dr. Amy Khor, alongside the First Mayor of Hamburg, Dr. Peter Tschentscher.
This LOI marks a new chapter in the long-standing collaboration between Singapore and Germany, reaffirmed in April 2024 when both countries announced their intent to elevate their relationship to a strategic partnership. This upgraded partnership encompasses a variety of cooperative initiatives in the maritime sector, focusing on areas such as port efficiency, maritime safety, sustainability, and cybersecurity.
Both MPA Singapore and HPA have been actively engaging with other port authorities through various platforms, including MPA Singapore’s Port Authorities Roundtable initiative, HPA’s ChainPORT initiative, and the International Association of Ports and Harbors (IAPH). These dialogues have been crucial for addressing common challenges faced in the maritime industry.
Key Areas of Collaboration
The LOI outlines specific areas where MPA Singapore and HPA will work together:
Decarbonisation
- Fuel Development: The two authorities will share insights on the development and adoption of zero and near-zero emissions fuels, ensuring that crew training and safety protocols for handling and bunkering these fuels are effectively implemented.
- On-Shore Power Supply: There will also be a focus on facilitating knowledge exchange regarding on-shore power supply systems.
Digitalisation
- Pilot Projects: Both ports will explore pilot projects designed to streamline and improve the efficiency of port calls between Hamburg and Singapore.
- Port Procedures: They will share information regarding port clearance procedures and systems to enhance operational efficiency.
Cybersecurity
- Information Exchange: MPA Singapore and HPA will facilitate the exchange of crucial cybersecurity information, including establishing operational links between the ports.
- Training Initiatives: There will be a concerted effort to provide cybersecurity training targeted at maritime professionals and students, equipping them with necessary skills to safeguard maritime operations.
Supporting Innovation and Start-Ups
In a related development, a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed between NUS Enterprise and Digihub, following discussions with the Hamburg business delegation during the Singapore Maritime Week 2024. This collaboration aims to promote start-up exchanges and pilot projects focusing on innovation within the maritime sector.
Digihub, part of Germany’s broader Digital Hub initiative, is dedicated to fostering digital innovations in logistics. It offers co-working spaces, networking opportunities, and events that encourage collaboration and support for start-up growth.
Looking Ahead
MPA Singapore expressed enthusiasm about working closely with German partners and all stakeholders in Maritime Singapore to develop scalable solutions that benefit the global maritime community. This partnership is seen as a vital step towards achieving sustainable shipping and addressing the pressing challenges of decarbonisation and digitalisation in the maritime industry.
As both nations commit to these collaborative efforts, the maritime sector is poised to benefit from enhanced efficiency, safety, and sustainability, paving the way for a greener and more resilient future.
About MPA Singapore
The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA Singapore) plays a pivotal role in shaping Singapore as a global hub for maritime trade and bunkering. Established in 1997, MPA oversees the country’s extensive port operations, ensuring safety, efficiency, and sustainability in one of the world’s busiest ports. Singapore is consistently ranked as the top bunkering port globally, handling over 50 million metric tons of bunker fuel annually.
MPA Singapore is committed to promoting innovation in maritime practices and fostering collaboration within the industry to enhance maritime safety, decarbonisation, and digitalisation. With a strategic vision to lead in sustainable shipping, MPA continues to support the maritime community through various initiatives and partnerships, positioning Singapore at the forefront of the global maritime landscape.
Source MPA Singapore