Decarbonisation

Singapore: MPA and GCNS to collaborate in carbon accounting and management

Both will work together to develop training workshops to meet the carbon accounting and management needs of maritime companies, including information sharing on green financing and funding schemes.

Published

2 years ago

August 14, 2024

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The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) on Wednesday (14 August) said it signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with UN Global Compact Network Singapore (GCNS) to help strengthen the maritime industry’s capacity in carbon accounting and management.

The MoU builds on the long-standing collaboration between MPA and GCNS to raise sustainability capabilities in the maritime sector, which includes an MoU signed in 2017 to provide maritime companies with training on sustainability reporting.

The MoU was further expanded to include Singapore Shipping Association (SSA) in 2021 to support the development of capabilities in carbon accounting through training and recognition. Through the initiative, 15 companies have since been awarded the Maritime Singapore LowCarbon50 Award over the past three years for their decarbonisation plans and accurate carbon accounting.

Under the new MoU signed today, MPA and GCNS will collaborate with key industry associations, including the Association of Regional Ferry Operators, Association of Singapore Marine & Offshore Energy Industries (ASMI), the Singapore Association of Shipsuppliers and Services (SASS), and SSA to train their members through workshops on the use of the Carbon Emissions Recording Tool (CERT) to measure and monitor their companies carbon emissions.

The MoU partners will work together to develop training workshops to meet the carbon accounting and management needs of maritime companies, including information sharing on green financing and funding schemes that maritime companies can tap on to reduce their deployment cost of low and zero-carbon emission technologies and vessel designs.

Mr Teo Eng Dih, Chief Executive of MPA, said, “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.”

Ms Veronica Lai, Vice President of GCNS, said, “GCNS is delighted to strengthen this vital partnership with MPA and the trade associations of ASMI, ARFO, SASS and SSA. 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. We are excited to support and facilitate the maritime sector in navigating their transition towards a low-carbon future.”

Mr Simon Kuik, President of ASMI, said, “The Marine & Offshore Energy is transforming, pivoting towards greener and cleaner product solutions. Our sector is building up ESG competencies across its value chains. Through ASMI Decarbonisation Champion Initiative launched in April 2023, we have trained 86 individuals from 33 companies so far and aim to train a further 160 for our member companies. This MPA-GCNS-Industry MoU marks another significant milestone of our collective journey, contributing to the effective decarbonisation and green transition of the sector.”

Mr Danny Lien, President of SASS, said, “SASS is looking forward to this collaboration with MPA, GCNS and the respective maritime associations to train and prepare the ship supplies industry in its decarbonisation journey. Equipping the industry with resources, know-how, and best practices will certainly help accelerate the net zero transition in the maritime industry. SASS and its members are committed to the Singapore maritime industry’s net zero goal.”

Ms Caroline Yang, President of SSA, said, “SSA is pleased to partner with GCNS and offer our members access to workshops where they will be introduced to CERT to manage their emissions. Additionally, they will benefit from shared information on green financing and funding initiatives. These advantages align with SSA’s 2030 Vision and support the industry’s transition to a greener future. Furthermore, we note that this collaboration brings together all maritime-related trade associations within the ecosystem, signalling a positive step towards a greener Maritime Singapore.”

Photo credit: Justin Lim on Unsplash
Published: 14 August, 2024

Related Topics:Business - Events Business - MoU Port & Regulatory - Decarbonisation

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The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) on Wednesday (3 June) said it signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company to strengthen collaboration in maritime decarbonisation, digitalisation, innovation, and manpower development.

The MoU was signed on 25 May 2026 by Mr Ang Wee Keong, Chief Executive of MPA, and Mr Soren Toft, Chief Executive Officer of MSC.

The MoU underscores the shared commitment of MPA and MSC to foster a sustainable, digital, and future-ready maritime sector, while enhancing MSC’s operational and business activities in Singapore. This year also marks the 30th anniversary of MSC establishing its Asia Regional Office and local office in Singapore.

Under the MoU, MPA and MSC will explore new routes and services to strengthen connectivity, support the adoption of alternative marine fuels such as bio-LNG, and advance technologies to improve vessel energy efficiency and operational performance.

MPA and MSC will also collaborate on maritime digitalisation initiatives to improve operational efficiency, including streamlining vessel arrivals and port operations.

On manpower development, MSC will support internship and scholarship opportunities through Singapore Maritime Foundation’s Maritime Outreach Network (MaritimeONE) platform, an industry-led tripartite partnership comprising industry, government and institutes of higher learning that aims to raise awareness of the maritime industry and attract quality talent into the maritime sector.

Mr Ang Wee Keong, Chief Executive of MPA, said: “This partnership reflects the strong collaboration between MPA and MSC in driving sustainability and digitalisation in the maritime sector. By working together on decarbonisation, operational efficiency and talent development, we aim to strengthen Maritime Singapore’s position as a trusted and future-ready global maritime hub.”

Mr Soren Toft, Chief Executive Officer of MSC, said: “Singapore is a strategically important hub for MSC and a key gateway to the broader Asia region. As we mark 30 years in Singapore, this MOU reinforces our long-term commitment to strengthening our presence here. MSC and Singapore are closely aligned on the priorities shaping the future of global shipping, and we look forward to deepening this partnership to drive the continued growth and resilience of the maritime industry.”

Photo credit: Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore
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StormGeo and OceanScore link emissions data, compliance workflows

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“StormGeo plays a central role in helping shipping companies turn operational vessel and emissions data into trusted, decision-ready insights,” said Espen Martinsen, Chief Commercial Officer at StormGeo.

“As emissions regulations become more complex, this data is essential for transparent and efficient compliance management. By working with OceanScore, we can help customers connect StormGeo’s validated operational data with commercial compliance processes, creating a more integrated and practical approach to emissions management.”

The signing ceremony took place at the StormGeo booth during Posidonia 2026 in Athens and was attended by representatives from both companies.

Both companies expect the cooperation to continue evolving alongside upcoming regulatory developments, including FuelEU Maritime, EU ETS, the upcoming UK ETS and future emissions-related frameworks affecting global shipping.

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Published: 4 June, 2026

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Seaspan and Hapag-Lloyd complete first of five methanol vessel retrofit

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Seaspan Corporation (Seaspan) and Hapag-Lloyd on Wednesday (3 June) announced the successful completion of the first of the five vessel conversions under their methanol retrofit programme with the delivery of Seaspan Yangtze.

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“Project SAVER CleanBlue highlights Seaspan’s strong customer partnerships, deep technical expertise, and unique platform integrated with JV partners, such as WattSpan Maritime Technology, in executing complex and large-scale retrofit projects.”

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“Together with Seaspan, we are demonstrating that retrofitting existing vessels for low-carbon methanol can be a practical way to reduce emissions in shipping.”

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