The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) and Japanese ship operator Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha (NYK) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to deepen their partnership and accelerate maritime decarbonisation, digitalisation, and manpower development efforts.
The MoU was signed by Teo Eng Dih, MPA CEO, and Takaya Soga, President and Group CEO, NYK. In line with the IMO revised GHG strategy, the Paris Agreement, and international energy and climate targets, MPA and NYK will collaborate on various initiatives aimed at promoting a sustainable maritime industry. The partnership will include promoting the safe use of maritime fuels such as biofuels, methanol and low or zero-carbon ammonia through a phased approach.
Both parties will discuss maritime training programs for seafarers on ammonia-fuelled vessels and other sustainability-related skills and competencies to support the industry’s transition towards alternative low or zero- carbon fuels, including leadership programs for local professionals.
Teo Eng Dih said: “This MoU marks a significant milestone in the longstanding partnership between MPA and NYK. As a major bunkering and a maritime hub port, Singapore is in a phase of introducing alternative fuels and enhancing manpower development. MPA looks forward to our partnership with NYK to unlock our collective potential and develop solutions that can be scaled up to benefit the global maritime community in the move towards smart and sustainable shipping.”
Takaya Soga added: “NYK has been proactively working on decarbonisation initiatives, digitalisation, and maritime human resource development to materialise a sustainable maritime industry. We have begun ammonia-fuel-related business development including bunkering projects, endorsing the Singaporean government’s initiative on fuel ammonia. Singapore plays a significant role in the maritime industry as the world’s largest hub port for trans-shipment and bunkering. We are delighted to conclude this MoU with MPA as we share the same goals. This MoU will accelerate cooperation between MPA and NYK and contribute to the sustainable development of maritime industry.”
Image: NYK and MPA sign sustainability MoU (source: NYK)
