Australia and Singapore have launched a $20 million initiative, the Australia-Singapore Initiative on Low Emissions Technologies (ASLET), to reduce emissions in the maritime sector.
According to MPA Singapore, jointly delivered by CSIRO and the MPA, ASLET supports the Singapore and Australia Green and Digital Shipping Corridor (GDSC) to decarbonise and digitise shipping routes. The partnership aims to develop new fuel solutions and promote the adoption of zero or near-zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emission technologies.
Singapore, the world’s largest bunkering and busiest transshipment hub, and Australia, a potential leader in low-emissions fuels, will explore opportunities in green shipping and port infrastructure.
The first ASLET Steering Committee meeting, led by representatives from MPA, CSIRO and Singapore’s Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), will be convened on 19 April at the Singapore Maritime Week 2024. The Steering Committee, established as part of a joint Collaboration Agreement, aims to provide strategic direction and evaluate and approve projects on low emission technology projects for maritime and port operations.
Given Australia’s natural advantage for renewable energy production and Singapore’s hub status, MPA looks forward to making this partnership deliver value to the Singapore-Australia GDSC and to the wider international shipping and port communities.
… said MPA Chief Executive, Teo Eng Dih
As informed, both countries will commit up to $10 million each to fund projects under ASLET, with potential additional industry co-funding, to facilitate research, demonstration, and commercialisation of zero and near-zero GHG emission technologies for maritime shipping and port operations.
We need to focus on transitioning to low-emissions fuels such as ammonia and hydrogen by developing accessible technology and infrastructure at ports that supports a range of vessels.
… commented CSIRO Chief Executive, Dr Doug Hilton
