The Maritime Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) has, along with partners such as Ocean Network Express, Eastern Pacific Shipping and Sembcorp Marine, announced the creation of a new centre to accelerate the industry’s energy transition.
The Global Centre for Maritime Decarbonisation (GCMD) has been set up with a S$120 million ($88.77 million) fund from MPA and the above-mentioned partners, as well as BHP, BW Group and Foundation Det Norske Veritas.
The GCMD will look to collaborate with the industry to help the maritime sector reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, implement identified decarbonisation pathways and create new business opportunities.
In partnership with the industry, GCMD will facilitate decarbonisation technology development and test-bedding, including future marine fuel trials with the industry and research communities in Singapore. To this end, MPA is looking at developing waterfront facilities to support these activities. MPA is working with relevant agencies to study the viability of locating GCMD along with other maritime developments at Marina South.
The set-up of a decarbonisation centre was first announced during the Singapore Maritime Week in April 2021, as one of the recommendations in the International Advisory Panel for Maritime Decarbonisation’s report submitted to the Singapore Government.
The MPA said 31 organisations ranging from shipping companies, classification societies, research centres, traders, energy players, terminal and tank operators, engineering companies, financial institutions to industry associations have expressed interest to collaborate with GCMD.
It will work with these organisations to establish strong partnership and initiatives as part of its objective to deliver value to the industry globally.
Chee Hong Tat, Senior Minister of State for Transport, said, “The Global Centre for Maritime Decarbonisation has garnered much interest from industry stakeholders.
“This strong support is important for developing commercially viable solutions for sustainable shipping. As a hub port and international maritime centre, Singapore will contribute to this shared vision by growing a vibrant ecosystem for maritime decarbonisation research, technology development and solution deployment.
“The Centre’s work will involve going into new areas and uncharted waters, we are grateful to our partners for sailing this journey together with us.”
Andreas Sohmen-Pao, Chairman, Governing Board of GCMD, also commented, “Decarbonisation is a global challenge, and our industry has to play its part.
“The challenge is too large for any one company to solve, so collaboration is essential. This centre will build on the positive steps taken by many maritime players around the world, and Singapore’s position as a leading maritime centre, to help the industry transition to a low-carbon future.”
