Mitsui OSK Lines, Ltd. (MOL) on Tuesday (26 November) announced it signed a comprehensive memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) to deepen cooperation in the fields of decarbonisation, digitalisation, and human resources development including alternative bunker fuels. 

MOL and MPA have been cooperating in various initiatives to decarbonise the maritime industry, the new agreement will further promote these initiatives in a wide range of fields.

Specifically, the scope of the MoU covers the following: 

• Collaboration in the field of decarbonisation in the maritime industry in general.

Mutual collaboration to establish a supply system for next-generation alternative bunker fuels such as methanol, ammonia, and hydrogen. The collaboration will also include study on the use of wind technology.

• Digitalisation and maritime innovation.

Improving voyage management and efficiency of transport operations through digitalisation, including development of cybersecurity, collaboration on autonomous vessel trials, and nurturing marine innovation ecosystem that emphasises collaboration with local startups.

• Joint development of maritime human resources.

Grow and enhance manpower capabilities, including grooming seafarers and shore-based workforce.

MOL will continue its group-wide concerted effort, in close cooperation with MPA and other major maritime sectors, to achieve sustainable GHG net-zero emissions and contribute to the realisation of a decarbonised society.

MPA Chief Executive Teo Eng Dih, said: “This MoU reaffirms MPA and MOL’s longstanding collaboration. As a maritime hub port, supported by our innovation and research ecosystem, MPA is working closely with industry and tripartite partners to support digitalisation, cybersecurity, decarbonisation and manpower capabilities. We look forward to MOL’s expansion of activities, tapping on both our experience and expertise, to develop scalable solutions for the SingaporeJapan Green and Digital Shipping Corridor and the wider maritime community.”

MOL President & CEO Takeshi Hashimoto, said: “We have been focusing on the fields of decarbonisation, digitalisation, and human resources development, which we have decided to deepen cooperation with MPA this time.

MPA is committed to working hard to create a sustainable maritime industry in Singapore, the hub of the maritime industry. We pay our respect to MPA for its enthusiasm and energy. The fields of bilateral cooperation are also a challenge for the maritime industry as a whole, and I hope we can increase the feasibility by working together as like-minded people.

We are confident that the establishment of this comprehensive cooperative relationship will contribute to the maritime industry in general.”

MOL’s recent cooperation with MPA includes joining a MPA-led Green & Digital Shipping Corridors (GDSC) and joining MPA’s initiative in the Maritime Energy Training Facility (METF) to promote training for seafarers involved in next-generation fuel such as ammonia, which reduces carbon emissions.

Photo credit: Mitsui OSK Lines
Published: 27 November, 2024 

The Vancouver Fraser Port Authority in Canada on Friday (22 November) said it has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Hamburg Port Authority (HPA) in Germany to collaborate across a range of port priorities including decarbonisation, safety and cruise.

Work under the MOU will include assessing readiness to support alternative fuel bunkering, improving safety with new technology like drones, using predictive analytics to optimise operations, data governance and cyber security best practices, and opportunities for sustainable cruise port accreditation.

The MoU, signed 7 November will see the two port authorities increase cooperation across multiple key areas: maritime decarbonisation; safety; digital practices and new technology; and cruise operations.

The two port authorities will also create new opportunities for employees to gain practical experience with the daily challenges and practices at the partner port.

Both ports are major gateways for their respective countries. 

“I am delighted to have signed this agreement with the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority. This further expands our network of partners who want to work with us on the decarbonisation of maritime transport,” said Jens Meier, CEO of the HPA. 

“In addition, Vancouver is a valuable sparring partner for us in the exchange of efficient cruise handling within the city.”  

“The Port of Vancouver is key trade hub for Canadians and their businesses, and we are thrilled to partner with the Port of Hamburg on work that will improve operations, sustainability and safety at both ports,” said Peter Xotta, President and CEO, Vancouver Fraser Port Authority. 

“We look forward to working in collaboration with our partners in Hamburg to improve efficiency, sustainability and innovation at both ports—in support of Canadians and Germans.”

Photo credit: Port of Vancouver
Published: 26 November, 2024 

Integrated energy company Eni and shipping and logistics provider MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company on Monday (25 November) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at developing joint initiatives in the field of sustainability and energy transition. 

The agreement includes the potential use of LNG as well as lower-carbon energy carriers, such as HVO and bio-LNG biofuels, as well as lubricants from renewable raw materials, for use on MSC fleets dedicated to both logistics and cruise transport. 

Renewable energy solutions will be assessed to contribute to the decarbonisation of MSC’s sites and facilities. More generally, the agreement aims to create new synergies between the two companies’ operations, from logistics services to intermodal transport, covering both agro-industrial activities for the production of raw materials, including Agri feedstock, for biorefining, and the storage and transport of HVO biofuels through innovative intermodal sea, rail and road transport solutions. 

The agreement provides for good circular economy practices, from the on-board use of plastics also from renewable and recycled raw materials, including single-use packaging products, to the collection and management of waste produced on board the fleets, and the potential redevelopment of decommissioned Eni areas and assets.

Claudio Descalzi, CEO of Eni, said: “This agreement marks the start of our collaboration with MSC in the decarbonisation of transport and cruise services. MSC is the world leader in the sector and we are confident that together we will be able to develop and implement decarbonisation initiatives, that provide an important contribution to the sector and to the reduction of emissions from our transport systems.”

Diego Aponte, MSC Group President, said: “We look forward to working more closely with Eni as we broaden and deepen our approach to sustainability and decarbonization across the MSC Group of companies.”

Photo credit: MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company
Published: 26 November, 2024