The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) has signed three Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with regional maritime administrations and partners in China to advance collaboration on digitalisation, decarbonisation, talent development, and information exchange.

The MoUs were signed at the Port Authorities Roundtable 2023 hosted in Shanghai and on the sidelines of the 3rd Global Sustainability Transport Forum in Beijing.

The MoU between MPA and the Shanghai Municipal Transportation Commission — announced on September 22 — aims to strengthen port and maritime ties between two of the world's largest ports to foster mutual learning through information exchange on port and shipping developments, maritime policies and regulations, as well as training and research.

The MoU also aims to co-develop digitalisation and decarbonisation solutions for shipping and port development.

 [Source: Singapore Ministry of Transport]

An MoU between MPA and Tianjin Port and Shipping Authority (TPSA) was also signed on September 26.

Under the MoU, MPA and TPSA will discuss issues relating to maritime digitalisation and decarbonisation; exchange information and experiences on the development of shipping and regulatory framework, port developments, and maritime training; and facilitate maritime talent exchanges and collaborative opportunities in areas such as maritime research and development.

Located in the Bohai Bay Rim Region, Tianjin Port is one of the largest ports in Northern China and one of the fastest-growing Chinese ports in terms of annual container throughput.

MPA also signed an MoU with the China Classification Society (CCS) on September 25.

Under the MoU, MPA and CCS will explore collaborations to reduce greenhouse gas emission through the use of zero or near-zero emission marine fuels and marine battery technology; co-innovate smart ships technologies with researchers, industry, and maritime startups through platforms such as PIER71™1; and support the development of maritime talent and training through maritime scholarship programme and internship opportunities.

Headquartered in Beijing, CCS is a full member of the International Association of Classifications Societies with over 120 offices worldwide.