Singapore and Australia have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to formally collaborate on establishing the Singapore-Australia Green and Digital Shipping Corridor (GDSC).

Under the MoU, both countries will work with interested partners to explore

opportunities to develop zero or near-zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emission fuel supply chains for the maritime industry, including building necessary infrastructure, formalising standards, and developing and implementing the training requirements.

The MoU will also explore facilitating digital information exchange to enable efficient port clearance, port calls and flow of vessels between Singapore and Australia and facilitate collaboration between the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA), Australian federal, state and territory governments, as well as industry stakeholders.

The joint statement noted that Australia holds great potential to be a key producer of green marine fuels, and Singapore is the world's largest bunkering and busiest transhipment hub port.

The announcement noted that the collaboration is expected to help catalyse the development and uptake of zero or near-zero GHG emission technologies and the adoption of digital solutions to enhance the resilience, efficiency and sustainability of global maritime supply chains.

"The MoU affirms the shared commitment of Singapore and Australia to pool our expertise and resources to develop scalable green and digital solutions for the maritime sector and upskill our workforce to support the energy transition," said Chee Hong Tat, Singapore's minister for Transport.

Catherine King, Australian Minister for infrastructure, transport, regional

development and local government noted that the latest deal is an important partnership for a sustainable global maritime future.

"Australia is committed to supporting the decarbonisation of international shipping, which plays an important role in economies across the globe," King said. "This collaboration will place Singapore and Australia amongst the leaders in contributing to the international maritime community's objectives while supporting Australia's exports of clean, renewable energy."

In addition to the MoU, MPA and Australia's Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), supported by Singapore's Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) are working to collaborate on research and development, demonstration projects, and pilots under the Australia-Singapore Initiative on Low Emissions Technologies for Maritime and Port Operations (ASLET)1.

First announced in 2021, the ASLET is aligned with and will support the Singapore-Australia GDSC outcomes.

Meanwhile, the signing of this MoU was welcomed by the Prime Ministers of Singapore and Australia during their 9th Annual Leaders’ Meeting in Melbourne on March 5, 2024.

Signed by Chee Hong Tat and Hon Catherine King MP,  the MoU will accelerate maritime decarbonisation and digitalisation.