The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) and the Directorate General for Maritime Affairs, Fisheries and Aquaculture (DGAMPA) have agreed on an Enhanced Maritime Partnership to further strengthen maritime cooperation between Singapore and France.
This occurred during the visit of French President Macron to Singapore.
The agreement reportedly represents an elevation of relations between the two countries to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, covering collaboration in maritime decarbonisation, digitalisation, cybersecurity, innovation and training, and builds on an earlier partnership with DGAMPA established in 2021.
As part of the Enhanced Maritime Partnership, the parties will collaborate with industry partners to conduct various pilot projects aimed at addressing the identified focus areas.
On maritime decarbonisation, projects include the development of a bio-methane supply chain and certification framework to ensure compatibility with various sustainability standards and adherence to accounting framework under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and the International Maritime Organization (IMO).
The first bio-methane bunkering trial in Singapore under this partnership, based on the certification framework, will also be conducted with the shipping company, CMA CGM, as part of this initiative.
READ: Maersk kicks off ops at France warehouse
On digitalisation, MPA will also partner with HAROPA PORT and the Port of Marseille-Fos to advance port call optimisation and maritime digitalisation. This includes trials with CMA CGM on ship-to-shore data exchange to automate and streamline port clearance processes, reduce manual documentation, and improve the timeliness and accuracy of operational data using internationally recognised standards.
In addition, both parties will also promote maritime innovation and entrepreneurship by encouraging maritime companies, investors, and startups from both countries to participate in open innovation platforms such as the PIER71TM Smart Port Challenge, ZEBOX, and Landing Pad.
Eric Banel, Director General of DGAMPA, said: “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.”
Earlier this April, the MPA received 14 proposals under its Expression of Interest (EOI) to scale up the supply of liquefied natural gas (LNG) as marine fuel in the Port of Singapore.
