MPA and UN Global Compact Network Singapore Forge Partnership to Boost Maritime Decarbonisation Efforts
The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) and the UN Global Compact Network Singapore (GCNS) have solidified their commitment to advancing sustainable practices within the maritime sector by signing a new memorandum of understanding (MoU). This agreement focuses on strengthening the industry’s capabilities in carbon accounting and management, a critical step towards achieving Singapore’s maritime decarbonisation goals.
Building upon a well-established collaboration, MPA and GCNS have been working together since 2017 to enhance sustainability practices in the maritime sector. The 2017 MoU initiated training for maritime companies on sustainability reporting, and in 2021, the partnership expanded to include the Singapore Shipping Association (SSA). This expansion aimed to bolster the industry’s expertise in carbon accounting through comprehensive training programs. Over the past three years, 15 companies have been recognized with the Maritime Singapore LowCarbon50 Award for their exceptional decarbonisation strategies and precise carbon accounting practices.
The latest MoU introduces an ambitious plan to collaborate with key industry associations, including the Association of Regional Ferry Operators (ARFO), Association of Singapore Marine & Offshore Energy Industries (ASMI), Singapore Association of Ship suppliers and Services (SASS), and SSA. The objective is to equip their members with the necessary tools and knowledge to measure and monitor carbon emissions effectively using the Carbon Emissions Recording Tool (CERT). This initiative aims to foster a culture of transparency and accuracy in emissions reporting across the maritime sector.
As part of the agreement, MPA and GCNS will also focus on developing training workshops tailored to the carbon accounting and management needs of maritime companies. These workshops will cover crucial topics such as green financing and funding schemes, enabling companies to access resources that will reduce the costs associated with implementing low and zero-carbon emission technologies and vessel designs.
Mr. Teo Eng Dih, Chief Executive of MPA, emphasized the significance of this partnership, stating, “This MoU with GCNS reaffirms the importance of carbon accounting and management tools, to help maritime companies to accurately measure, report and verify their carbon emissions. We look forward to collaborating with GCNS and industry associations to help maritime companies meet their emission targets and compliance requirements.”
Echoing these sentiments, Ms. Veronica Lai, Vice President of GCNS, expressed her enthusiasm for the collaboration, highlighting the pivotal role it plays in advancing Singapore’s maritime decarbonisation efforts. “We firmly believe that collaboration within the industry is essential for advancing Singapore’s maritime decarbonisation efforts, and this MoU is a testament of that commitment. We look forward to working hand in hand with MPA and our industry partners to equip local companies with the resources and knowledge to effectively manage their emissions.”
Industry leaders from ASMI, SASS, and SSA also voiced their support, underlining the significance of this initiative in accelerating the sector’s transition towards a low-carbon future. They highlighted the importance of training and resource-sharing to build Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) competencies across the maritime value chain.
This MoU represents a significant milestone in Singapore’s journey towards maritime sustainability, reinforcing the collective effort of industry stakeholders to achieve net-zero emissions. As the maritime sector continues to pivot towards greener and cleaner solutions, this collaboration will play a vital role in shaping the future of maritime Singapore.
