Singapore | November 10, 2025 — The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) and DNV have renewed their Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen collaboration in maritime sustainability, digitalisation, innovation, and talent development — reinforcing Singapore’s position as a global leader in the transformation of the maritime sector.
The MoU was officially signed by Mr. Chin Yi Zhuan, Deputy Chief Executive (Industry & Corporate) of MPA, and Ms. Cristina Saenz de Santa Maria, Chief Operating Officer, DNV Maritime, during the Singapore Norway Innovation Conference 2025. Building upon successful partnerships initiated in 2019 and 2022, this renewed agreement reaffirms both organisations’ shared commitment to propel the maritime and port industries towards a smarter, greener, and more resilient future.
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Pioneering Joint Innovation for a Greener Maritime Future
Under the renewed partnership, MPA and DNV will jointly advance research, development, and test-bedding projects, particularly in areas that leverage technology to reshape ship operations and port management. These initiatives include remote vessel operation trials, smart-ship system integration, and the deployment of digital twins for real-time fleet monitoring and predictive maintenance.
A central focus of the collaboration will be to accelerate the adoption of zero- and near-zero-emission fuels, such as ammonia, hydrogen, and methanol, in line with global decarbonisation targets and Singapore’s Maritime Singapore Green Initiative. The MoU also outlines a commitment to develop maritime decarbonisation pathways, foster cross-sector partnerships, and promote innovative green bunkering solutions to reduce the industry’s environmental footprint.
Strengthening Talent and Innovation Ecosystems
Beyond technology and sustainability, the MPA–DNV partnership will deepen collaboration in maritime talent development and industry capability building. Through platforms such as the Maritime Innovation Committee, PIER71 (Port Innovation Ecosystem Reimagined @ BLOCK71), and the Smart Port Challenge, both organisations aim to nurture the next generation of maritime professionals equipped with digital, data-driven, and sustainability skills.
These initiatives will connect startups, researchers, and industry players to co-develop solutions that address real-world challenges, from port automation to green logistics. By enhancing knowledge exchange and industry-academia partnerships, the MoU seeks to ensure Singapore remains at the forefront of maritime innovation.
Mr. Ang Wee Keong, Chief Executive of MPA, highlighted the strategic importance of the renewed partnership, saying:
“The renewal of this MoU underscores the shared commitment of MPA and DNV to co-create solutions that will shape the future of shipping. By combining our regulatory and industry development experience with DNV’s global technical expertise, we can accelerate innovation in smart and sustainable shipping, advance the use of low- and zero-carbon fuels, and strengthen talent and knowledge exchange across the maritime ecosystem. Together, we aim to build a more connected, capable, and future-ready maritime sector.”
Knut Ørbeck-Nilssen, CEO Maritime at DNV, echoed this sentiment, stating:
“By strengthening our collaboration with MPA through this MOU, we aim to accelerate the development and adoption of green and digital maritime solutions, while nurturing the next generation of maritime professionals. These joint efforts will help to further position Singapore as a centre of excellence for maritime research and innovation, supported by the MPA’s proactive and strategic vision and DNV’s technical and digital capabilities.”
A Partnership Anchored in Innovation and Trust
The MPA–DNV collaboration is emblematic of Singapore’s broader strategy to evolve as a smart, sustainable, and globally connected maritime hub. It reflects the city-state’s commitment to harnessing technology and partnerships to achieve the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) 2050 decarbonisation goals while maintaining operational excellence and competitiveness.
By aligning regulatory foresight with technological expertise, the partnership serves as a model for public–private collaboration in an era of profound transformation in global shipping.
About DNV in the Maritime Industry
DNV is the independent expert in risk management and quality assurance, committed to safeguarding life, property, and the environment. With deep technical and digital expertise, DNV empowers organisations with data-driven insights and standards to make critical decisions with confidence. Recognised globally as a trusted voice across industries, DNV continues to advance safety, performance, and sustainability through innovation and collaboration.
About the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA)
Established in 1996, the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) develops Singapore as a global hub port and international maritime centre while safeguarding the nation’s strategic maritime interests. MPA serves as the maritime regulator, port planner, and international maritime representative, driving Singapore’s digitalisation and decarbonisation agenda. Working closely with industry, academia, and other government agencies, MPA enhances safety, security, environmental protection, and manpower development to sustain Singapore’s maritime growth.
Source: MPA Singapore