Singapore Maritime Week (SMW), organized by the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA), returns for its 18th edition from April 15 to 19, 2024, at the Suntec Singapore Convention and Exhibition Centre. Themed “Actions meet Ambition,” SMW focuses on four pillars: decarbonization, digitalization, services, and talent development. More than 10,000 maritime professionals from nearly 80 countries are expected to attend, including delegates from governments, port authorities, international organizations, industry experts, and thought leaders. Additionally, the inaugural Expo@SMW trade exhibition, from April 16 to 18, will showcase maritime solutions by close to 50 companies and startups, according to an article published on their website.
About the event
The event was launched by Mr. Chee Hong Tat, Singapore’s Minister for Transport and Second Minister for Finance. He highlighted Maritime Singapore’s continued growth and its aim to be a global hub for innovation, reliable maritime operations, and talent development.
During SMW 2024, a maritime dialogue focused on Supply Chain Resilience, Digitalization, and Decarbonization, featuring panelists from Germany, Norway, and the International Association of Marine Aids to Navigation and Lighthouse Authorities (IALA). Key participants included Mr. Arsenio Dominguez, Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), and Mr. Sergio Mujica, Secretary-General of the International Organization for Standardization (ISO).
Secretary-General Dominguez emphasized seafarer safety and wellbeing, the IMO’s vision for transparency and inclusivity, and the importance of addressing challenges related to green and digital transitions in the maritime sector. He welcomed Singapore’s efforts in facilitating collaboration among maritime stakeholders.
SMW 2024 also brought together MPA’s Green and Digital Shipping Corridor (GDSC) partners to discuss initiatives supporting IMO’s Greenhouse Gases (GHG) emission reduction targets for international shipping.
MPA announced partnerships and agreements with over 30 partners during SMW 2024, focusing on areas such as training and cybersecurity. Additionally, MPA and 22 partners signed a Letter of Intent to establish the Maritime Energy Training Facility (METF), aimed at closing skills gaps for operating zero or near-zero emission-powered vessels.
METF, to be established as a decentralized network of training facilities in Singapore, will train the maritime workforce on the safe handling of future marine fuels such as methanol and ammonia. It aligns with the IMO’s efforts to develop training provisions for seafarers supporting decarbonization of shipping.
With hundreds of crew changes daily in Singapore, METF aims to deliver efficient crew training for vessel operators and ship management companies. It is expected to benefit more than 10,000 maritime personnel, including seafarers, by the 2030s.
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Source: MPA
