MoU

Singapore: MoUs on digital bunkering and eBDN signed at TechWaves conference

PIL signed MoUs with its bunker suppliers – TFG Marine, KPI Ocean Connect and bp; TFG Marine also signed MoU with Golden Ocean and Frontline to advance adoption of eBDNs.

Published

8 months ago

February 27, 2024

Admin

Singapore: MoUs on digital bunkering and eBDN signed at TechWaves conference

Singapore shipping line Pacific International Lines (PIL), together with Singapore Trade Data Exchange (SGTraDex), on Friday (23 February) signed three separate MOUs with PIL’s bunker suppliers including TFG Marine, KPI OceanConnect and bp respectively, at maritime conference TechWaves.

The MOUs pave the way for PIL and SGTraDex to explore opportunities with each bunker supplier in bunkering supply chain digitalisation, furthering the adoption of eBDN solutions and enhancing the bunkering ecosystem.

PIL, a shareholder of SGTraDex, also recently announced that they were the first shipping line to complete full integration with SGTraDex.

Mr. Chia Yujin, Head, Sustainability, Decarbonisation and Marine Fuels, Pacific International Lines, said, “As an early adopter of the technology, PIL believes that SGTraDex can improve efficiency and reliability of transactions in the marine fuels market. Through our efforts and close collaboration with our trusted partners, we now have in place all the digital enablers to adopt SGTradex as a solution to simplify transactional processes with our stakeholders in the marine fuel value chain.”

“With the confidence and convenience that SGTraDex can bring to buyers of marine fuels, we look forward to seeing more bunkering hubs adopting this solution, thereby paving the way for a more efficient maritime ecosystem.”

Bunker supplier TFG Marine signed an MOU with shipping lines Golden Ocean and Frontline committing to advancing adoption of eBDNs and related documents for their bunker deliveries in Singapore alongside SGTraDex.

With the launch of the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA)’s digital bunkering platform in November 2023, Singapore was the first Port globally to implement e-BDNs to facilitate bunker deliveries to reduce the admin burden of filling in physical forms and ensure transaction transparency.

ADP Clear Pte Ltd, Angsana Technology Pte Ltd, Bunkerchain and ZeroNorth have since been whitelisted as e-BDN platform providers.

In a recent exclusive interview with Singapore-based bunkering publication Manifold Times, DNV announced that it was in the process of being whitelisted by the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA).

The conference also featured addresses by maritime industry leaders and stakeholders.

Singapore Standards Council (SSC) shared an upcoming standard focused on the digitalisation of bunkering supply chain documentation, while Equatorial Marine Fuel Management Services (EMF) shared their journey with eBDNs and the future of digital bunkering.

Jurong Port Universal Terminal (JPUT) and Jurong Port outlined their respective initiatives on smart terminals and ship supplies digitisation.

Mr. Tan Sian Lip, Co-Convenor for the Working Group on Electronic Documentation for Bunkering, said: “It is important for us to adopt a holistic approach to drive the digitalisation of the maritime sector, which must include the development and implementation of robust standards and to ensure interoperability between different systems.”

“That is why the Singapore Standards Council is working closely with various industry stakeholders to introduce a new standard for digital bunkering documents, and help business adopt more secure and efficient reporting processes. The standard will be open for public feedback in the next few months, and we encourage all industry players and relevant businesses to share their inputs on the draft standard.”

A panel discussion moderated by the International Chamber of Commerce explored the paperless future of maritime, focusing on key documents such as electronic Bills of Lading, Bunker Delivery Notes, and Delivery Orders.

A diverse group of panellists from Singapore Standards Council, EMF, JPUT, Blackstone & Gold and SMU deliberated on strategies to expedite the industry's transition towards digitalisation, the impact of digitisation on their respective organisations and institution as well as the implications for those employed in Singapore’s maritime and trade finance sectors.

Photo credit: SGTraDex
Published: 27 February, 2024

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Shipping Corridor

Singapore and Shandong ink MoU for Green and Digital Shipping Corridor

MPA and Shandong Provincial Transport Department will work with stakeholders, including maritime administrations and port operators, to promote digital and low-carbon initiatives for shipping.

Published

18 hours ago

October 10, 2024

Admin

The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) and the People’s Republic of China’s Shandong Provincial Transport Department signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on Wednesday (9 October) to establish the Singapore – Shandong Green and Digital Shipping Corridor (GDSC).

Under the MoU, MPA and the Shandong Provincial Transport Department will work with various stakeholders, including maritime administrations, port operators, maritime companies, institutes of higher learning, and shipyards, to promote digital and low-carbon initiatives for shipping.

Focus areas include exploring collaboration in emerging technologies, training in safe handling of alternative fuels, knowledge sharing on shore power technologies, exchange of digital information to facilitate port clearances, and sharing of standards and best practices.

This MoU marks the second GDSC between Singapore and China following the Singapore – Tianjin GDSC established in 2023.

Mr Teo Eng Dih, Chief Executive, MPA, and Mr Gao Hongyan, Deputy Director, Shandong Provincial Transport Department, signed the MoU at the 25th Singapore –Shandong Business Council meeting held in Singapore.

The signing was witnessed by the co-chairmen of the Singapore – Shandong Business Council, Mr Chee Hong Tat, Minister for Transport and Second Minister for Finance, and Mr Zhou Naixiang, Governor of Shandong Provincial Government.

The Singapore – Shandong GDSC will tap the growing trade and shipping volumes between the two economic centres, supported by their strong research and innovation ecosystems, to drive the adoption of green and digital solutions and growth of the maritime industry between Singapore and the Bohai and Yellow Sea region.

Singapore is the world’s largest bunkering hub and busiest transshipment seaport, and Shandong is a coastal province which hosts a key cluster of ports and shipyards along China's coastline including Qingdao Port, which is among the world's busiest container ports.

Shandong is also China’s second most populous province, after Guangdong, with approximately 101 million people. Shandong has the third largest provincial economy in China with a GDP of 9.2 trillion RMB (approximately 1.7 trillion SGD) and GDP growth of 6% in 2023.

Photo credit: Manifold Times
Published: 10 October, 2024

Shipping Corridor

Green bunker fuels among projects approved for Finland-Estonia green shipping corridor

Transition to green fuels initiative is among 19 joint projects, aimed at reducing the carbon footprint of ferry journeys between Finland and Estonia, which were approved by a steering committee.

Published

3 days ago

October 8, 2024

Admin

The FIN-EST Green Corridor Steering Committee on Wednesday (2 October) approved a comprehensive list of 19 joint projects aimed at reducing the carbon footprint of ferry journeys between Finland and Estonia.

The FIN-EST Green Corridor initiative was born from a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed in October 2023 by representatives from Helsinki, Tallinn, and various key stakeholders.

The MoU set the foundation for creating a climate-neutral customer journey and establishing a maritime green corridor connecting Helsinki – Tallinn and Vuosaari – Muuga.

The initiative’s core partners include the cities and ports of Helsinki and Tallinn, Rederi AB Eckerö, Tallink Grupp, Viking Line, and the Ministry of Climate, Estonia, with strong support from the Ministry of Transport and Communications, Finland. Together, they are committed to driving forward a series of projects designed to enhance sustainability, strengthen competitiveness, and increase passenger and cargo flows between the two countries.

Key Project Highlights

The 19 joint projects cover a wide range of initiatives that will support climate neutrality, including:

Transition to Green Fuels: Studies and activities aimed at ensuring the availability of green fuels and addressing associated safety regulations.
Zero-Emission Port Infrastructure: The introduction of zero-emission service vehicles and machinery at ports, along with the development of supporting infrastructure.
Waste Management Enhancements: Efforts to harmonize sorting and recycling systems for ship-generated and consumer waste, contributing to more sustainable waste management.
Digital Solutions for Fuel Efficiency: The implementation of digital tools to monitor and reduce fuel consumption in ferries.
Carbon Capture Technologies: Exploring the potential of carbon capture to further minimize emissions.
Cycling Travel Promotion: A project focused on improving the experience for cycling travelers, ensuring seamless bicycle journeys between the cities and ships.

These projects, along with others, will contribute to the ongoing efforts to make ferry transport between Finland and Estonia more sustainable and environmentally friendly.

Photo credit: Chris Pagan on Unsplash
Published: 8 October, 2024

Alternative Fuels

Singapore and Hamburg ink LOI on maritime decarbonisation, digitalisation

MPA and HPA will share information on development and uptake of zero and near-zero emissions bunker fuels, including crew training and safety protocols for handling and bunkering of such fuels.

Published

2 weeks ago

September 30, 2024

Admin

Singapore and Hamburg ink LOI on maritime decarbonisation, digitalisation

The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) on Friday (27 September) said it signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) with Hamburg Port Authority (HPA) to deepen our partnership and accelerate maritime decarbonisation, digitalisation and cybersecurity.

According to Teo Eng Dih, Chief Executive of MPA, the collaboration will build upon the long-standing bilateral partnership between Singapore and Germany, as affirmed in April 2024 when it was announced that Singapore and Germany will work towards upgrading relations to a strategic partnership.

The signing ceremony was witnessed by Senior Minister of State for the Ministry of Sustainability and the Environment and the Ministry of Transport, Dr. Amy Khor and the First Mayor of Hamburg, Dr. Peter Tschentscher.

This includes cooperation in the maritime sector, such as in port efficiency, maritime safety, sustainability and cybersecurity. HPA, MPA and other port authorities enjoy regular dialogue on issues of common interest via MPA’s Port Authorities Roundtable initiative, HPA’s ChainPORT initiative, the International Association of Ports and Harbors (IAPH) and other platforms.

Through the LOI, MPA and HPA will collaborate in the following areas:

Decarbonisation (a) Share information on the development and uptake of zero and near-zero emissions bunker fuels, including crew training and safety protocols for the handling and bunkering of such fuels; (b) Facilitate the exchange of information and knowledge for on-shore power supply;
Digitalisation (a) Explore pilot projects to facilitate efficient port calls between the ports of Hamburg and Singapore; (b) Exchange information on port procedures and port systems involved for port clearance
Cybersecurity (a) Facilitate the exchange of cybersecurity information including the establishment of operational links between the ports of Singapore and Port of Hamburg; (b) Provide cybersecurity training for maritime professionals and students.

In addition, following from discussions between MPA, maritime stakeholders and the Hamburg business delegation comprising representatives of the Ministry of Economy and Innovation, Hamburg Invest, Digital Hub Logistics (Digihub) that visited during Singapore Maritime Week 2024, a PIER71™-Digihub MOU was also signed between NUS Enterprise and Digihub.

This collaboration will focus on start-up exchanges, pilot projects on innovation.

Digihub, part of Germany’s broader Digital Hub initiative, is designed to foster digital innovations in logistics by providing a co-working space, networking opportunities and events that promote collaboration to support the growth of startups.

MPA looks forward to working with German partners and all Maritime Singapore stakeholders, to develop scalable solutions to benefit the global maritime community, in the move towards sustainable shipping.

Photo credit: Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore
Published: 30 September, 2024