Singapore and France sign a maritime partnership to advance decarbonisation, bio-methane bunkering, port digitalisation, and maritime innovation.
30 May 2025 – Singapore – In a landmark move to deepen maritime collaboration, Singapore and France have signed an Enhanced Maritime Partnership Agreement, marking a significant step forward in decarbonisation, digitalisation, cybersecurity, innovation, and training within the global maritime industry.
The agreement was inked during French President Emmanuel Macron’s State Visit to Singapore, symbolising the elevation of bilateral ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. French Minister for Transport Mr. Philippe Tabarot and Singapore’s Acting Minister for Transport and Senior Minister of State for Finance Mr. Jeffrey Siow officiated the signing ceremony.
At the core of this strengthened partnership is a renewed commitment by the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) and France’s Directorate General for Maritime Affairs, Fisheries and Aquaculture (DGAMPA) to collaborate across several transformative areas in maritime policy and practice.
Decarbonisation Takes Center Stage with Bio-Methane Bunkering
A key pillar of the agreement is maritime decarbonisation, with the two nations committing to the development of a bio-methane supply chain, including a certification framework aligned with international sustainability and emissions accounting standards. These include the frameworks set by the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the International Maritime Organization (IMO).
In a major development for the global bunkering industry, the first bio-methane bunkering trial in Singapore will be launched under this partnership. The trial will be conducted with CMA CGM, one of the world’s largest shipping lines, and is intended to test the viability of certified bio-methane as a sustainable marine fuel. The certification framework will ensure traceability and regulatory alignment with global climate commitments.
This initiative could pave the way for Singapore to emerge as a hub for alternative green fuels and bio-LNG bunkering, as part of its broader strategy to decarbonise the maritime sector.
Maritime Digitalisation and Port Call Optimisation
The agreement also aims to streamline ship-to-shore operations through maritime digitalisation and port call optimisation. MPA will collaborate with HAROPA PORT and the Port of Marseille-Fos to trial advanced digital tools that enhance vessel traffic flow, automate port clearance procedures, and facilitate seamless data exchange between vessels and ports.
These trials, also involving CMA CGM, will leverage internationally recognised data standards to minimise manual documentation and improve the accuracy of real-time operational data, contributing to increased port efficiency and reduced turnaround times.
Innovation and Entrepreneurship Across Borders
The partnership will further fuel innovation in the maritime sector by encouraging startups, technology providers, and investors from both countries to engage in open innovation ecosystems. This includes participation in global maritime innovation platforms such as:
- PIER71™ Smart Port Challenge (Singapore)
- ZEBOX (France)
- Landing Pad initiatives
These platforms are designed to accelerate maritime entrepreneurship, fostering new solutions in clean energy, automation, and logistics efficiency.
Leadership Comment on the Strategic Vision
Mr. Teo Eng Dih, Chief Executive of MPA, hailed the partnership as a practical collaboration with global impact:
“This partnership marks an important step in strengthening maritime collaboration between Singapore and France. By working together, we aim to advance practical solutions that support a more sustainable and digitally connected maritime future.”
Mr. Eric Banel, Director General of DGAMPA, echoed this sentiment:
“This collaboration reflects our shared commitment to advancing sustainable, innovative, and secure maritime solutions. Both France and Singapore, as global maritime hubs and key worldwide players in innovation and engineering, recognize the strategic importance of strengthening cooperation in port digitalisation, green shipping, and maritime safety and security.”
A Blueprint for the Future of Maritime
As the maritime industry grapples with mounting pressure to decarbonise and modernise operations, the Enhanced Maritime Partnership between Singapore and France sets a precedent for international cooperation in building a sustainable, digitally integrated, and resilient maritime future.
The agreement not only aligns two of the world’s most advanced maritime nations but also provides a roadmap for other port authorities, shipping lines, and energy providers to follow—particularly in the critical areas of green fuel adoption, digital transformation, and maritime safety.
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 54 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