The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) and the CMA CGM Group have renewed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to advance sustainable shipping and innovation.

The renewed partnership builds on an earlier MoU signed in 2022 and underscores the shared commitment to strengthening Singapore's position as a premier maritime hub. 

In a joint statement, MPA and CMA CGM said under the MoU, CMA CGM plans to expand its fleet and vessel tonnage, adding more vessels under the Singapore Registry of Ships, including four 23,000 TEU LNG vessels — reinforcing Singapore's position as a maritime hub for CMA CGM and supports the company's goal of achieving Net Zero Carbon by 2050.

 In this regard, the CMA CGM Group has invested nearly US$20 billion to order LNG and methanol-powered ships and will have 153 ships capable of using low-carbon energies (biogas, biomethanol, and synthetic fuels) in its fleet by 2029.

To support the transition to more sustainable fuels, CMA CGM will also register and bunker alternative-fuel vessels under the Singapore flag and will participate in bunkering trials.

Recently, CMA CGM Iron, the company's first of 12 dual-fuel methanol vessels, made its maiden call in Singapore, marking an important step in the shipping line's efforts to adopt alternative fuels and collaborate with Singapore on sustainable shipping initiatives. 

The joint statement said MPA and CMA CGM would also explore pilot trials, including the test-bedding of an online registry for carbon accounting and sharing best practices for zero and near-zero emission marine fuels. 

Additionally, both parties will propose an implementation plan to trial and pilot standards for efficient and secure data exchange between ship and shore. CMA CGM will also engage in cybersecurity initiatives with MPA to enhance digital security in maritime operations. 

CMA CGM will also enhance its regional presence by expanding new intra-Asia shipping services and leveraging Singapore as a regional transshipment hub.

Both companies will also collaborate on innovation and workforce development.

"This MoU marks a significant milestone of our collaboration with CMA CGM and also demonstrates CMA CGM's significant support towards our shared vision to drive decarbonization and digitalization and support manpower development within the maritime sector," said Teo Eng Dih, chief executive of MPA.

"By leveraging our collective expertise and resources, we aim to create a more sustainable and innovative maritime ecosystem."

Rodolphe Saadé, chairman and chief executive officer of the CMA CGM Group, also welcomed the partnership with MPA.

"I am pleased to renew our partnership with the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore, strengthening Singapore’s position as a key maritime hub for CMA CGM. Together, we will drive forward innovative initiatives, particularly in the adoption of alternative fuels and digitalisation to enhance efficiency and performance," he said.

"This collaboration reflects our commitment to leveraging top expertise to build a more resilient and sustainable global trade,"  Saadé added.