Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) and Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha (NYK) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to strengthen their partnership and advance maritime decarbonization, digitalization, and manpower development.
The MoU was signed by Teo Eng Dih, chief executive of MPA and Takaya Soga, president and group chief executive of NYK, on 2 July 2024.
Aligned with the International Maritime Organization’s revised Greenhouse Gas strategy 2023, the Paris Agreement, and international energy and climate targets, MPA and NYK will collaborate on initiatives to promote a sustainable maritime industry.
“This MoU marks a significant milestone in the longstanding partnership between MPA and NYK. As a major bunkering and a maritime hub port, Singapore is in a phase of introducing alternative fuels and enhancing manpower development. MPA looks forward to our partnership with NYK to unlock our collective potential and develop solutions that can be scaled up to benefit the global maritime community in the move towards smart and sustainable shipping,” stated Teo Eng Dih.
This partnership will focus on the safe use of maritime fuels such as biofuels, methanol, and low or zero-carbon ammonia through a phased approach.
Additionally, both parties will explore maritime training programmes for seafarers on ammonia-fuelled vessels and other sustainability-related skills and competencies, supporting the industry’s transition to alternative low or zero-carbon fuels. Leadership programmes for local professionals will also be part of this initiative.
Takaya Soga, president and CEO of NYK, commented, “NYK has been proactively working on decarbonisation initiatives, digitalisation, and maritime human resource development to materialise a sustainable maritime industry. We have begun ammonia-fuel-related business development including bunkering projects, endorsing the Singaporean government’s initiative on fuel ammonia. Singapore plays a significant role in the maritime industry as the world’s largest hub port for trans-shipment and bunkering. We are delighted to conclude this MoU with MPA as we share the same goals. This MoU will accelerate cooperation between MPA and NYK and contribute to the sustainable development of the maritime industry.”
