Singapore Joins Forces with Top Classification Societies for Shipping Decarbonization and Digitalization Efforts

The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) has joined forces with eight of the world’s leading classification societies, signing a Letter of Intent (LOI) to collaborate on maritime digitalization and decarbonization initiatives.

The announcement was made during the Accelerating Decarbonisation Conference at Singapore Maritime Week. The agreement signed by top executives from the MPA and classification societies, including American Bureau of Shipping, Bureau Veritas Marine & Offshore, China Classification Society, DNV, Korean Register, Lloyd’s Register of Shipping, Nippon Kaiji Kyokai (ClassNK), and RINA.

Singapore serves as the world’s largest bunkering hub.

Collaboration under the LOI will focus on areas such as smart and autonomous shipping, cyber security, electrification, and zero- and low-carbon fuels. The partnership aims to advance the development of new technologies and solutions, ultimately benefiting the global maritime community.

Key areas of cooperation include the development of standards and technical references for maritime digitalization and decarbonization, streamlined recognition of Singapore Registry of Ships (SRS) and class notations, development of industry and workforce capability, and ensuring compliance with laws and regulations.

The MPA and the classification societies plan to create new standards and technical references with an initial focus on meeting Singapore’s requirements. This could include the development of zero or low-carbon marine fuels, such as methanol, ammonia, and hydrogen, as well as marine electrification.

The partnership will also explore more efficient processes for ships with class notations to apply for and achieve similar SRS notations, working on safeguards if necessary. Additionally, MPA and the classification societies will collaborate to enhance future vessel designs and develop new training curricula for emerging skills related to digitalization and decarbonization.

“With the rapid changes brought about by decarbonization and digitalization, there is a need for collaboration to learn from one another, partner likeminded stakeholders to build capabilities, and accelerate the development and adoption of new technologies,” said Teo Eng Dih, Chief Executive of MPA. “This LOI will pave the way for MPA to work with these eight recognized 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.”

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