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.

The agreement covers collaboration in maritime decarbonisation, digitalisation, cybersecurity, innovation and training, and builds on an earlier partnership with DGAMPA established in 2021.

France and Singapore, both global maritime hubs, announced their commitment to advancing sustainable, innovative, and secure maritime solutions. The collaboration underscores the strategic importance of cooperation in port digitalization, green shipping, and maritime safety.

As part of the enhanced maritime partnership, the parties will work with industry partners to conduct various pilot projects to address the 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 Organisation.

The first bio-methane bunkering trial in Singapore under this partnership, based on the certification framework, will also be conducted with shipping company, CMA CGM, as part of this initiative.

On digitalisation, MPA will also partner 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.

"This partnership marks an important step in strengthening maritime collaboration between Singapore and France. By working together, we aim to advance practical solutions that support a more sustainable and digitally connected maritime future," Teo Eng Dih, chief executive of MPA, said.

Eric Banel, director general of DGAMPA, noted that this collaboration reflects the 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, recognize the strategic importance of strengthening cooperation in port digitalisation, green shipping, and maritime safety and security," Banel said.

The enhanced maritime partnership agreement was signed by French Minister for Transport, Philippe Tabarot, and Singapore’s Acting Minister for Transport and Senior Minister of State for Finance, Jeffrey Siow, on the occasion of President Emmanuel Macron's State Visit to Singapore.