Business

Innovation, decarbonisation and talent the three main priorities of MPA, says CE

While Singapore is facing complexities, many international maritime companies are expressing strong interest in pursuing new business activities in the republic, says Quah Ley Hoon.

Published

3 years ago

April 28, 2022

Admin

Innovation, accelerating decarbonisation, and talent are the three main priorities of the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA), says its Chief Executive.

Quah Ley Hoon was speaking at the 2nd Marine & Offshore Congress 2022 on Tuesday (26 April) when she said while Singapore is facing complexities, the republic was starting from a position of strength with many international maritime companies expressing strong interest in pursuing new business activities there.

The complexities she outlined were global supply chain disruptions especially following the recent Ukraine war and global port disruptions, global energy transition and accelerating geopolitical shifts.

As such, she shared that MPA is tackling global challenges faced by the maritime sector.

Innovation

Quah said the digitalPORT@SGTM initiative launched in 2019 has allowed Singapore to move to paperless and contactless port clearance.

“We are also actively looking for collaboration opportunities with other ports, to pursue data harmonisation through initiatives such as digitalOCEANSTM,” she said.

In order to enhance supply chain digitalisation, MPA is also looking at electronic documentation.

“MPA is actively encouraging the use of electronic bills of lading (eBL) for cross-border trade. The Digital Container Shipping Association estimated that if only half of the container shipping industry adopts eBL solutions, savings could already amount to about US$4 billion annually,” she said.

“MPA has co-funded 3 industry consortiums to develop and trial eBL solutions serving the wet bulk, dry bulk and container cargo markets, as we recognise that each market segment would have different circumstances and needs. We are also working with international organisations to improve take-up.”

Quah also noted creative Marinetech solutions have also became more mainstream amidst COVID-19.

“The Marinetech space is showing great promise, with Google Cloud estimating that venture capital funding for Marinetech reached USD $11.3 billion in 2021, doubled from 2020,” she said.

Accelerating Decarbonisation

Quah shared as a top bunkering hub, Singapore is preparing to support the industry’s multifuel transition.

She said MPA is also looking into developing standards for biofuel to accelerate adoption on at wider scale.

“We are also actively looking at other fuels such as methanol and ammonia, forming value-chain ecosystems with industry players. We need to develop standards, infrastructure and supply chains for these cleaner fuels.”

“The Maritime IAP suggested that like-minded port authorities and operators could create green corridors, to pilot practical pathways and spur momentum towards maritime decarbonisation.”

Talent

Quah expressed hope to see more maritime companies in Singapore’s Best Employer 2022 Study, released by The Straits Times and Statista last week, noting DNV, PSA International and Maersk ranked among the 200 most-attractive employers in Singapore.

“It would be good for maritime companies to carefully consider their value propositions and attractiveness to employees,” she said.

She also stressed that it was important to adopt and propagate innovative training methods moving forward and become a hub for training of future maritime talent.

Quah added MPA and Singapore Maritime Foundation are embarking on Job Redesign Pilot Projects, focusing on key maritime job roles such as vessel operators and technical superintendents for a start.

“We hope this will also attract more people into maritime jobs. Sectors and firms that can stay ahead of the curve in upskilling their workforce and redesigning jobs, would find themselves attracting the lion’s share of talent.”

Photo credit: Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore
Published: 28 April, 2022

Alternative Fuels

Singapore: MPA issues circular on resolutions adopted at IMO MSC 109

New circular informs shipping community of the resolutions, including on use of ammonia cargo as bunker fuel, and urges the shipping community to prepare for the implementation of these resolutions.

Published

3 hours ago

March 18, 2025

Admin

The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) on Monday (17 March) issued Shipping Circular No. 2 of 2025 regarding resolutions adopted by the 109th session of the Maritime Safety Committee (MSC 109) of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), which was held from 2 to 6 December 2024:

This circular informs the shipping community of the resolutions adopted by MSC 109 and urges the shipping community to prepare for the implementation of these resolutions.

MSC 109 adopted the following mandatory resolutions:

Resolution MSC.566(109) – Amendments to the International Code for the Construction and Equipment of Ships Carrying Liquefied Gases in Bulk (IGC Code)

This resolution adopts amendments to Chapter 16 of the IGC Code, mainly to allow the use of ammonia cargo as fuel. The amendments will enter into force on 01 July 2026 and will be given effect through the Merchant Shipping (Safety Convention) Regulations.

Resolution MSC.567(109) – Amendments to the International Code of Safety for Ships using Gases or other Low-flashpoint Fuels (IGF Code)

This resolution adopts amendments to IGF Code regarding ship design and arrangements; general pipe design; safety functions of the gas supply system; fire protection; hazardous area zones; and ventilation requirements. The amendments will enter into force on 01 January 2028 and will be given effect through the Merchant Shipping (Safety Convention) Regulations.

MSC 109 also adopted the following resolutions:

Resolution MSC.568(109) – Amendments to the Revised recommendation on testing of life-saving appliances (resolution MSC.81(70))

This resolution adopts amendments to Part 1- Prototype Test for Life-saving Appliances, for self-righting test requirements of totally enclosed lifeboats, under paragraph 6.14.1.1 of the Revised recommendation on testing of life-saving appliances (resolution MSC.81(70)).

Resolution MSC.569(109) – Performance standards for the reception of maritime safety information and search and rescue related information by MF and HF digital navigational data (NAVDAT) system

This resolution adopts the Performance standards for the reception of maritime safety information and search and rescue related information by MF and HF digital NAVDAT system.

Resolution MSC.509(105)/REV.1 – Provision of radio services for the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS)

This resolution adopts the revised Recommendation on provision of radio services for the GMDSS, the Criteria for use when providing shore-based digital selective calling (DSC) facilities for use in the GMDSS, the Criteria for establishing GMDSS sea areas, the Criteria for use when providing a NAVTEX service and the Criteria for use when providing a NAVDAT service, set out in annexes 1 to 5, respectively, to the resolution. This resolution revokes resolution MSC.509(105).

Resolution MSC.570(109) – Performance standards for a universal shipborne Automatic Identification System (AIS)

This resolution adopts the revised Performance standards for a universal shipborne AIS, recognising the need for measures to prevent unauthorised entry or tampering of the ship's identity information in shipborne AIS.

Any queries relating to this circular should be directed to MPA Shipping Division via email at [email protected].

Photo credit: Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore
Published: 18 March, 2025

Business

Singapore-based AET appoints Nick Potter as new President and CEO

Potter, who assumes the CEO role from Zahid Osman, also assumed the role of Vice President, Petroleum & Products at MISC Group, joining the MISC Executive Leadership Team.

Published

3 hours ago

March 18, 2025

Admin

Singapore-based AET appoints Nick Potter as new President and CEO

Singapore-headquartered AET, MISC’s petroleum arm, on Monday (17 March) announced the appointment of Nick Potter as the new President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the company.

Potter also assumed the role of Vice President, Petroleum & Products at MISC Group, joining the MISC Executive Leadership Team.

With over 35 years of experience in the maritime and energy sectors, Potter has led commercial, technical, and operational teams across the globe. He previously served as Head of Shipping and Maritime for Asia, Pacific, and the Middle East at Shell, and before that, as Global Head of Maritime at BG Group.

His career began at sea as an Engineering Officer, before progressing through various roles at Shell and BG, giving him deep expertise in maritime logistics and the tanker business.

Beyond his leadership roles, Potter is a strong advocate for energy transition, maritime talent development, and seafarer welfare. He has actively contributed to key industry bodies, including OCIMF, the Singapore Maritime Foundation, and the International Chamber of Shipping's Clean Energy Marine Hubs Task Force.

Outgoing CEO Zahid Osman welcomed Potter in a symbolic leadership handover at AET’s headquarters, marking a new chapter in our journey.

“As Zahid takes on his expanded leadership role as President & Group CEO at MISC, we look forward to continuing our close collaboration as part of MISC Group,” AET added.

Photo credit: AET
Published: 18 March, 2025

Alternative Fuels

AAL Shipping names methanol-ready multipurpose heavy lift vessel in China

Singapore-based AAL Shipping says it held a naming ceremony for “AAL Dubai” – a multipurpose heavy lift vessel that is methanol-ready – at CSSC Huangpu-Wenchong Shipyard in Guangzhou.

Published

3 hours ago

March 18, 2025

Admin

AAL Shipping names methanol-ready multipurpose heavy lift vessel in China

Singapore-headquartered project heavy lift carrier AAL Shipping (AAL) on Thursday (13 March) said it held a formal naming ceremony for its fifth Super B-Class vessel, AAL Dubai.

The 32,000 dwt AAL Dubai – a multipurpose heavy lift vessel that is methanol-ready – was officially named on March 12 at the CSSC Huangpu-Wenchong Shipyard in Guangzhou, China.

The AAL Dubai is engineered to transport a vast array of cargo, including heavy lift project equipment, breakbulk, and dry bulk, all on a single voyage. With a combined lifting capacity of 700 tonnes, this vessel is designed to offer high efficiency, cargo flexibility, and economies of scale to shippers worldwide.

The vessel will now embark on its maiden voyage, joining sister vessels AAL Limassol, AAL Hamburg, AAL Houston, and AAL Antwerp in serving project cargo customers across Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and the Americas.

“We are now over the halfway mark with our Super B-Class deliveries, and those already in service are exceeding our expectations,” said Liew Teck Liong, Chief Financial Officer at AAL.

“With these vessels, we have achieved both company and industry firsts, and we look forward to redefining what a heavy lift, multipurpose vessel can accomplish as we deploy them for complex cargo challenges.”

Later this year, AAL will take delivery of the AAL Dammam, which will be shortly followed by the AAL Newcastle and AAL Mumbai that have an increased maximum heavy lift capability of 800 tonnes.

Photo credit: AAL Shipping
Published: 18 March, 2025