The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) and Dalian Maritime University (DMU) on Friday (28 March) said they have renewed their Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance talent development and academic exchange between Singapore and China in the maritime sector.

The MoU renewal was signed by MPA Chief Executive, Mr Teo Eng Dih, and Professor Shan Hongjun, President of DMU. This renewal builds on the successful collaboration established since 2021, and further strengthens talent development and knowledge exchange between both maritime ecosystems.

As part of the MOU, MPA and DMU will continue to engage in faculty exchanges, study visits and student exchanges in Singapore and Dalian, and joint maritime training and research programmes. Trainers from MPA, including subject matter experts and adjunct trainers, will contribute to courses, events and knowledge sharing. 

The collaboration will focus on digitalisation and decarbonisation, covering areas such as clean energy and sustainable practices in the maritime sector, digital transformation of maritime operations, environmental management, maritime safety, navigational technologies, and port management and smart technologies.

DMU is home to world-class facilities, including two ocean-going training vessels and state-of-the-art research centre. A leader in autonomous ship technology and innovation in smart and sustainable shipping, the university has recently launched its 3rd ocean-going new generation autonomous training vessel.

Mr Teo Eng Dih, Chief Executive, MPA, said, “The renewal of this MOU reflects the strong partnership between MPA and DMU. As the maritime industry evolves, our collaboration in maritime education and training is more crucial than ever in preparing the next generation of maritime professionals. This agreement will enhance maritime talent development and knowledge sharing between Singapore and China, fostering innovation and sustainability in the maritime sector.”

Photo credit: Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore
Published: 28 March, 2025

The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) on Wednesday (26 March) signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with several partners to promote knowledge-sharing initiatives and explore geospatial technologies to address real-world challenges in the republic. 

Partners will explore the use of geospatial tools to develop solutions to strengthen preparedness, monitor sea level rise, and improve the safety and efficiency of port operations, such as vessel navigation, marine services and the bunkering of alternative fuels.

MPA signed a three-year MOU with Jurong Port, Singapore Cruise Centre Private Limited, Esri Singapore, Hexagon’s Safety Infrastructure and Geospatial Division, Nika, Technology Centre for Offshore and Marine, Singapore (TCOMS), A*STAR Institute of High Performance Computing (A*STAR IHPC) and the Centre of Excellence in Modelling and Simulation for Next Generation Ports (C4NGP) in the College of Design and Engineering of the National University of Singapore (NUS).

Geospatial tools use location-based data such as satellite images, traffic and weather data, and sensor readings from buoys and on land to create 2D and 3D visual insights. 

These can help stakeholders monitor real-time conditions, manage risks, and plan operations more effectively by improving risk management and decision-making, and enhancing operational planning for improved safety and efficiency. 

MPA also signed a three-year MOU with NUS to develop a skilled maritime geospatial workforce. 

Under this partnership, MPA and NUS will explore the development of maritime geospatial courses for NUS undergraduate and post-graduate geography students, and a professional certification programme for mid-career professionals. 

The maritime geospatial programmes will cover skills in 2D and 3D mapping, geospatial analytics, and advanced environmental and operations modelling. This will build a pipeline of talent equipped with the skills and knowledge to drive maritime geospatial innovation in the industry and government.

Photo credit: Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore
Published: 28 March, 2025

Marine fuels supplier Monjasa on Thursday (27 March) said it delivered a total of 900 metric tonnes (mt) of B30 biofuel to NYK-operated vessel Hestia Leader in the Port of Cristobal, Panama on 2 February.

This ship-to-ship operation was performed by the 19,991 dwt Monjasa Thunder and marked the first ISCC-certified biofuels supply in Panama and the establishment of a scalable 2nd generation marine biofuels supply chain. This setup is capable of supplying a total of 5,000-7,000 mt monthly.

On 24 March 2025, the Panama Canal Authority announced the introduction of a NetZero Slot designed to support and reward shipowners and operators on their journey towards decarbonisation.

General Manager Latin America, Jonas Bruslund, said: “The introduction of biofuels in Panama has progressed slower than in major bunkering hubs like Singapore or Rotterdam, mainly due to lack of local feedstock and customer commitments.”

“However, we have now developed a viable strategy with a longstanding business partner to ship biofuels products from Europe for the benefit of shipowners operating in the Panama Canal area.”

“The Panama Canal has a strong agenda to promote low-carbon fuels and higher energy efficiency and we are pleased to challenge the status quo and actively support these efforts.”

Monjasa established its local maritime logistics in 2015 and today manages seven vessels across the Atlantic and Pacific areas of the Panama Canal.

In the Americas, Monjasa has already established biofuels partnerships across the port of Callao in Peru and in Cartagena, Colombia.

As an ISCC-certified partner, Monjasa allows all involved parties to trace feedstock used to produce biofuels from the point of origin to the end consumer. On this first supply in Panama, the B30 product consisted of 30% Fatty Acid Methyl Ester (FAME) and 70% Very Low Sulphur Fuel Oil (VLSFO).

Monjasa still awaits the shift away from sporadic biofuels inquiries to a broader pick-up in demand. Until then, Monjasa aims to continue establishing a string of global biofuels supply locations to support the shipping industry in meeting IMO’s 2050 climate change commitments.

Photo credit: Monjasa
Published: 28 March, 2025