The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) announced the formation of the Global Centre for Maritime Decarbonisation (GCMD) in Singapore with effect from 1 August 2021.
Set up with a S$120 million fund from MPA and six founding partners namely BHP, BW Group, Eastern Pacific Shipping, Foundation Det Norske Veritas, Ocean Network Express and Sembcorp Marine, the centre will spearhead the maritime industry’s energy transition journey.
The set-up of a decarbonisation centre was first announced during the Singapore Maritime Week in April 2021, as one of the recommendations in the International Advisory Panel for Maritime Decarbonisation’s report submitted to the Singapore Government.
Collaborations in maritime decarbonisation
As part of GCMD’s ongoing efforts to explore joint industry projects that advance the deployment of low- and zero-carbon maritime solutions, 31 organisations have expressed interest to collaborate with GCMD. GCMD will be working with these organisations to establish strong partnership and initiatives as part of its objective to deliver value to the industry globally.
Future developments
In partnership with the industry, GCMD will facilitate decarbonisation technology development and test-bedding, including future marine fuel trials with the industry and research communities in Singapore.
For this reason, MPA is looking at developing waterfront facilities to support these activities. MPA is also working with relevant agencies to study the viability of locating GCMD along with other maritime developments at Marina South.
Chee Hong Tat, Senior Minister of State for Transport, said:
The Global Centre for Maritime Decarbonisation has garnered much interest from industry stakeholders. This strong support is important for developing commercially viable solutions for sustainable shipping. As a hub port and international maritime centre, Singapore will contribute to this shared vision by growing a vibrant ecosystem for maritime decarbonisation research, technology development and solution deployment. The Centre’s work will involve going into new areas and uncharted waters, we are grateful to our partners for sailing this journey together with us
Furthermore, Andreas Sohmen-Pao, Chairman, Governing Board of GCMD, added that decarbonisation’s challenge is too large for any one company to solve, so collaboration is essential.
This centre will build on the positive steps taken by many maritime players around the world, and Singapore’s position as a leading maritime centre, to help the industry transition to a low-carbon future
SEE HERE ALL THE PARTICIPANTS IN GCMD
