The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) with Hamburg Port Authority (HPA) to deepen their partnership and accelerate maritime decarbonisation, digitalisation, and cybersecurity.
As explained, the collaboration builds on the long-standing bilateral partnership between Singapore and Germany, which was reaffirmed in April 2024 with the announcement that both nations would work towards upgrading relations to a strategic partnership.
This includes cooperation in the maritime sector, focusing on port efficiency, maritime safety, sustainability, and cybersecurity. HPA, MPA, and other port authorities maintain regular dialogue on matters of shared interest through initiatives such as MPA’s Port Authorities Roundtable, HPA’s ChainPORT, the International Association of Ports and Harbors (IAPH), and other platforms.
Under the LOI, MPA and HPA will collaborate in the following areas:
- Decarbonisation: (a) Sharing information on the development and uptake of zero and near-zero emissions fuels, including crew training and safety protocols for handling and bunkering; (b) Facilitating the exchange of information and knowledge for on-shore power supply.
- Digitalisation: (a) Exploring pilot projects to facilitate efficient port calls between the ports of Hamburg and Singapore; (b) Exchanging information on port procedures and systems involved in port clearance.
- Cybersecurity: (a) Facilitating the exchange of cybersecurity information, including the establishment of operational links between the ports of Singapore and Hamburg; (b) Providing cybersecurity training for maritime professionals and students.
Additionally, following discussions between MPA, maritime stakeholders, and the Hamburg business delegation, which included representatives from the Ministry of Economy and Innovation, Hamburg Invest, and Digital Hub Logistics (Digihub) during Singapore Maritime Week 2024, a PIER71™-Digihub MOU was signed between NUS Enterprise and Digihub.
This collaboration will focus on start-up exchanges and pilot projects related to innovation.
Digihub, as part of Germany’s broader Digital Hub initiative, is designed to foster digital innovations in logistics by offering co-working spaces, networking opportunities, and events aimed at promoting collaboration and supporting the growth of startups.
The signing ceremony was witnessed by the Senior Minister of State for the Ministry of Sustainability and the Environment and the Ministry of Transport, Dr. Amy Khor, along with the First Mayor of Hamburg, Dr. Peter Tschentscher.
