2025 GREEN4SEA Singapore Forum: Drivers and barriers on the path to net zero

The event was organized by SAFETY4SEA having MacGregor and SQE MARINE as the lead sponsors. The event was also sponsored by: ARCADIA SHIPMANAGEMENT CO. LTD, Blue Planet Shipping Ltd, Capital-Executive Ship Management Corp., Capital Gas Ship Management Corp., Capital Shipmanagement, Dorian LPG, Dromon Bureau of Shipping, Eastern Mediterranean Maritime Limited (EASTMED), Latsco Marine Management Inc., RISK4SEA, SEAFiT, and Sun Enterprises Ltd.

Supporters of the event included the following organizations: International Bunker Industry Association (IBIA), Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers (ICS), INTERCARGO, International Windship Association (IWSA), Singapore Maritime Academy (SMA), Singapore Maritime Officers’ Union (SMOU), The Nautical Institute Singapore Branch, Zero Emissions Ship Technology Association (ZESTAs).

Opening the Forum, Apo Belokas, the Managing Editor of SAFETY4SEA, welcomed all attendees and speakers. He also took a moment to express his sincere gratitude to the event’s sponsors and supporters for their contributions. Afterward, he provided an overview of the event’s agenda and set the stage for discussions ahead. To engage the audience, Belokas posed thought-provoking questions centered around the maritime industry’s ongoing energy transition and the crucial path toward decarbonization, inviting everyone to reflect on these topics as they prepared for the presentations and conversations to come.

Session #1 – Human-driven energy transition: Challenges and opportunities

Apo Belokas, Managing Editor of SAFETY4SEA, delivered a presentation on the role of human factors in the decarbonization era, highlighting industry uncertainty, the need for innovative approaches, and the financial challenges of upskilling. He stressed the importance of viewing seafarers as valuable assets rather than expenses and pointed out that the maritime industry often overlooks the return on investment in human capital, despite clear evidence of its necessity and viability.

Madadh MacLaine, Secretary General, ZESTAs, highlighted the need for adapting seafarer training to keep pace with the transition to alternative fuels and new technologies. She emphasized that current training frameworks should be revised to incorporate a wider range of fuel options. MacLaine also stressed the importance of developing fuel- and technology-specific guidelines to ensure safe and effective implementation. Additionally, she discussed ongoing collaboration with the IMO and the World Maritime University (WMU) to expand global training initiatives, equipping maritime educators and institutions with the tools needed to support the industry’s shift toward sustainable fuels.

Capt. Chatur Wahyu, Director, Singapore Maritime Academy, delivered a presentation on the academy’s efforts to equip the maritime workforce with the skills needed for the transition to green marine fuels. He highlighted SMA’s leadership in specialized training, particularly in handling methanol and ammonia as alternative fuels, in collaboration with the Maritime and Port Authority (MPA) and industry stakeholders. Wahyu also emphasized the importance of strategic partnerships in strengthening training capabilities and ensuring a skilled workforce that can support the industry’s shift toward sustainable fuel solutions.

Session #2 – From commitment to action: ESG’s role in decarbonization

Marinos Ioannou, Environmental Manager, Dromon Bureau of Shipping, provided insights into the latest regulatory developments shaping maritime decarbonization. He discussed key EU regulations, including FuelEU and the EU ETS, and their impact on the industry’s transition to sustainable practices. Ioannou emphasized the need to move beyond compliance by fostering transparency and accountability in Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) reporting. He also highlighted the importance of stakeholder engagement in accelerating decarbonization efforts, ultimately shaping a more ESG-aligned and environmentally responsible maritime sector.

Sridev Mookerjea, Chairman & Group Managing Director, Blossom International Shipping & Offshore Pte Ltd, discussed the integration of ESG principles in driving a sustainable transition within the maritime industry. He outlined key environmental strategies such as alternative fuels, energy efficiency, and emissions reduction, while also emphasizing the social responsibility of supporting fair labor practices and community well-being. Through case studies, Sridev Mookerjea highlighted both successes and ongoing challenges, stressing that a sustainable maritime future depends on commitment, collaboration, and continuous innovation.

During the second panel discussion, Capt Yves Vandenborn, FNI, Executive Board member, The Nautical Institute, emphasized the critical role of ESG in shaping the maritime industry. He noted that beyond ensuring regulatory compliance, a well-developed ESG strategy can enhance operational efficiency. Echoing this sentiment, Peter Schellenberger, Director, Novamaxis Pte Ltd, stressed that adopting ESG strategies is essential for operators looking to future-proof their businesses and adapt seamlessly to industry changes.

Session #3 – Beyond fossil fuels: Insights into alternative energy

Gavin Allwright, Secretary General of the International Windship Association (IWSA), discussed the potential of wind propulsion as a solution for reducing greenhouse gas and climate-impacting emissions in the maritime industry. He explored whether wind propulsion technology could effectively contribute to the IMO’s GHG strategy and the timeline for reaching a market inflection point. Allwright also emphasized the growing urgency for immediate solutions to address climate challenges and the role wind propulsion could play in achieving sustainable maritime practices.

Capt. Satinder Singh Virdi, Principal Consultant, Head, Research and Development, Maritime Advisory (Singapore/Asia-Pac), AFNI, FRINA, DNV, delivered a presentation on the role of energy efficiency measures in achieving decarbonization and emission compliance within the maritime industry. He pointed out the importance of adhering to IMO regulations aimed at progressively reducing emissions from ship operations, noting that no single solution fits all vessel types. With energy efficiency measures capable of delivering up to 16% in fuel savings and emission reductions, Virdi outlined various strategies tailored to different ship types.

Capt. Saunak Rai, General Manager, FueLNG / Vice Chairman, ICS Singapore Branch, explored the transition beyond fossil fuels and the role of alternative energy in the maritime sector. He provided insights into the availability and affordability of alternative fuels, outlining various fuel pathways to achieving net-zero emissions. Rai also examined the LNG pathway as a transitional solution, discussing its potential to support the industry’s decarbonization goals.

During the last panel discussion, Joey Ng, Global Head of Decarbonisation and Fuel Transition, Braemar Shipbroking Pte Ltd, emphasized that the transition toward achieving net-zero emissions in the maritime sector is not only achievable but also a critical necessity for the future of the industry. He pointed out that stakeholders may face uncertainty, but the must act if they truly wish to achieve a greener future and comply with regulations. 

EXPLORE MORE ABOUT THE 2025 GREEN4SEA SINGAPORE FORUM HERE