The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) and the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) have formalised their collaboration through a memorandum of understanding (MoU) aimed at accelerating the energy transition of global maritime and port sectors.
This initiative aligns with the goals of the IMO and the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) of Singapore. Under the MoU, MPA and IRENA will bring together their expertise in renewable energy and maritime innovation to promote knowledge exchange and best practices across the maritime and energy industries, focusing on clean energy infrastructure and supply chains for zero and near-zero emission fuel.
Additionally, MPA and IRENA will support countries in their transition to and adoption of zero and near-zero emission fuels and technologies through capacity-building training programmes. As part of this partnership, MPA will facilitate secondment of officers to IRENA.
MPA CEO Teo Eng Dih said: “This partnership with IRENA brings together our complementary strengths on clean energy solutions to promote knowledge exchange, best practices, and capacity building. By working closely with diverse stakeholder groups across the maritime value chain, the partnership aims to foster an inclusive approach to decarbonisation and support for digital solutions to upskill maritime professionals and help accelerate the sector’s transition to cleaner energy.”
Francesco La Camera, IRENA Director-General, said: “IRENA has recognised international shipping as a key sector in the global economy, but also one of the most challenging to decarbonise. I commend Singapore as the world’s busiest trans-shipment hub with high energy demand, for demonstrating leadership in galvanising actions to decarbonise its maritime and port industries. Synergies and enhanced collaborations between stakeholders such as this partnership is a prime example of what we need to accelerate the sector’s path to net-zero.”
Image: Singapore Port (source: MPA)
