Under the initiative MPA Singapore to help develop competent Japanese ports

Padmesh Prabhune

Singapore and Japan have signed a memorandum of cooperation (MoC) to create history’s first ‘Green and Digital Shipping Corridor’ (GDSC). On 16 December 2023, the Ministry of Transport of the Republic of Singapore (MOT) and the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism of Japan (MLIT) signed a memorandum of cooperation (MoC) to establish the Singapore – Japan Green and Digital Shipping Corridor.

Signed by Mr Chee Hong Tat, Acting Minister for Transport, and Mr Saito Tetsuo, Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, this MoC marks the first Green and Digital Shipping Corridor established between Singapore and Japan to develop standards and best practices supporting the decarbonisation, digitalisation and growth of the maritime industry.

According to officials the strong commitment of both countries to accelerating efforts towards marine sustainability is reflected in the Singapore – Japan GDSC. Japan is one of Singapore’s top ten trading partners, and the trade volume between the two countries totalled S$65 billion in 2022.

Under the milestone collaboration, the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore will work together with six Japanese ports that includes the Port of Tokyo, the Port of Yokohama, and the Port of Kawasaki in the Kanto Region; the Port of Osaka, the Port of Kobe in Kansai Region, and Port of Nagoya in Chubu Region.

Pilot programs and trials incorporating alternate marine fuels, like ammonia and hydrogen, will be conducted on the GDSC platform. To encourage the use of these sustainable fuels, MPA and its Japanese port partners will work together to construct bunkering infrastructure, set standards, and offer training. The program encourages port infrastructure to adopt technology that lowers greenhouse gas emissions.

Regarding digitisation, Singapore and Japan intend to apply digital solutions to expedite the port clearance procedures. The partnership will involve sharing knowledge and best practices on risks associated with marine cybersecurity and other aspects of maritime digitalisation.

MPA Singapore highlighted the importance of this MoC and its role in propelling the marine industry’s digitalisation and decarbonisation. It is expected that the GDSC will aid in developing more competent ports with digital technologies and a workable supply chain for fuels with zero or almost zero greenhouse gas emissions.
Marex Media