- New maritime deal boosts cooperation on green shipping and digital ports.
- Singapore and France collaborate on maritime decarbonisation and innovation.
- Enhanced partnership aims for a sustainable and secure maritime future.
During President Macron’s recent State Visit to Singapore, the two nations took a significant step forward by elevating their bilateral relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. This momentous occasion saw French Minister for Transport, Mr. Philippe Tabarot, and Singapore’s Acting Minister for Transport and Senior Minister of State for Finance, Mr. Jeffrey Siow, signing an Enhanced Maritime Partnership Agreement, reports MPA.
Strengthening Maritime Cooperation Between Singapore and France
This agreement, forged between the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) and the Directorate General for Maritime Affairs, Fisheries and Aquaculture (DGAMPA), is all about deepening collaboration in vital maritime sectors. Key focus areas include decarbonisation, digitalisation, cybersecurity, innovation, and training. It’s a natural progression from an earlier agreement made in 2021.
Commitment to Sustainable and Innovative Maritime Solutions
As prominent global maritime hubs, both Singapore and France are dedicated to fostering sustainable, innovative, and secure maritime practices. This partnership highlights the strategic importance of working together on port digitalisation, green shipping, and enhancing maritime safety.
Pilot Projects Focused on Decarbonisation and Sustainability
Through the Enhanced Maritime Partnership, both parties will team up with industry partners on various pilot projects. In the realm of maritime decarbonisation, they plan to develop a bio-methane supply chain and a certification framework that aligns with sustainability standards set by the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and the International Maritime Organisation. The first bio-methane bunkering trial in Singapore will be conducted in collaboration with shipping company CMA CGM, following this certification framework.
Advancing Port Digitalisation and Operational Efficiency
On the digitalisation front, MPA will work alongside HAROPA PORT and the Port of Marseille-Fos to improve port call optimisation and maritime digitalisation. This initiative includes trials with CMA CGM to streamline ship-to-shore data exchange, enhancing overall operational efficiency.
Leadership Perspectives on the Partnership
Mr Teo Eng Dih, Chief Executive of MPA, said, “This partnership marks an important step in strengthening maritime collaboration between Singapore and France. By working together, we aim to advance practical solutions that support a more sustainable and digitally connected maritime future.”
Mr Eric Banel, Director General of DGAMPA, added, “This collaboration reflects our shared commitment to advancing sustainable, innovative, and secure maritime solutions. Both France and Singapore, as global maritime hubs and key worldwide players in innovation and engineering, recognise the strategic importance of strengthening cooperation in port digitalisation, green shipping, and maritime safety and security.”
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Source: MPA
