The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) announced that it has signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) with eight classification societies to collaborate on maritime digitalisation and decarbonisation.
Under the LOI, MPA and the eight classification societies will strive to collaborate in areas such as smart and autonomous shipping, cyber security, electrification, and zero- and low-carbon fuels. This will help advance the development of new technologies and solutions, and benefit the global maritime community.
According to company, MPA and the classification societies agreed to develop standards and technical references in maritime digitalisation and decarbonisation with a focus on meeting Singapore’s requirements as a start. This could cover zero or low-carbon marine fuels such as methanol, ammonia and hydrogen, as well as marine electrification.
Futhermore, they will work on streamlined Recognition of Singapore Registry of Ships (SRS) and Class Notations. Currently, the SRS and classification societies have their respective voluntary green, cyber, smart and welfare notations to encourage sustainable shipping and digital transformation. MPA and the respective classification societies will explore the development of a more efficient process for ships that have obtained class notations to apply for and achieve similar SRS notations. MPA will work with the respective classification societies bilaterally on safeguards if necessary.
The parties, will develop Industry and Workforce Capability. MPA and the classification societies will strive to work together to enhance future vessel designs for both ocean-going and domestic harbour crafts to enhance safety, security and efficiency of new designs. To prepare the maritime workforce to operate increasingly sophisticated vessels, an area of potential collaboration would be to develop new training curriculum for emerging skills relating to digitalisation and decarbonisation.
As explained, this LOI is governed by Singapore laws. MPA will work with the respective classification societies to ensure that efforts for application in overseas markets adhere to the respective laws and regulations.
The eight classification societies are also authorised by MPA as Recognised Organisation to conduct statutory certification, survey, inspection and audit services for Singapore-registered ships.
This LOI will pave the way for MPA to work with these eight recognised classification societies to shape standards, and contribute to develop innovative, viable, and cost-effective measures with our trading partners, green and digital shipping corridor partners, and the global maritime community.
…said Mr Teo Eng Dih, Chief Executive of MPA.
In addition, today, MPA announced that it signed a MoU with Wärtsilä which aimed at collaborating to enable the introduction of next generation renewable fuels, optimise digital port operations, and develop future talent.
