The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) and the International Association of Classification Societies (IACS) have signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) to collaborate on various maritime digitalisation and decarbonisation initiatives.

Under the LOI — inked at the sidelines of the 33rd session of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Assembly (A33) in London — both parties will consider the development of technical standards and unified requirements to ensure that new maritime solutions are safely implemented.

The LOI will focus on key areas such as smart and autonomous ships, digitalisation and cybersecurity, marine electrification, and the use of zero- and low-carbon fuels onboard vessels.

The joint statement noted that as part of the collaboration, both parties will have regular information and knowledge exchange, including discussions on industry challenges and opportunities, standards, best practices, and emerging technologies.

"As we advance and accelerate the development of new technologies and solutions which benefit the global maritime community, it is important for harmonised standards to be adopted to ensure that these solutions can be implemented safely," said Teo Eng Dih, chief executive of the MPA.

"We look forward to contributing and working closely with IACS to shape and develop standards that can help to ensure the safety of seafarers and protection of the marine environment."

Nick Brown, chair of the IACS, said the arrangement with the Singapore MPA will assist IACS' efforts to keep safety at the forefront of the decarbonisation agenda by facilitating access to the data and expertise of one of shipping's key bunkering and global hub ports.

"By looking at the entire future fuel supply chain, IACS will be better able to address all the risk and mitigation measures that will need to be implemented onboard vessels and so ensure that safety considerations are front and centre when evaluating the prioritisation and deployment of the new fuels and technologies necessary to support the industry’s transition to a decarbonised future," he said.

The IACS — which is dedicated to safe ships and clean seas — makes a unique contribution to maritime safety and regulation through technical support, compliance verification and research and development.

More than 90% of the world's cargo-carrying tonnage is covered by the classification design, construction and through-life compliance Rules and standards set by the twelve Member Societies of IACS.