News

Your Excellencies, 

Distinguished guests, 

Ladies and Gentlemen,

1.     Good morning. It is my pleasure to join you today at the Accelerating Digitalisation and Decarbonisation Conference, as part of a series of events under the Singapore Maritime Week.

2.     The maritime sector stands at the crossroads that will define our future. Climate change, economic shifts, and geopolitical tensions are fundamentally reshaping global trade. At today’s conference, we will focus on two key drivers – decarbonisation and digitalisation.

a.     Political uncertainties, such as the U.S.’ withdrawal from the Paris Agreement and Europe's shifting of priorities away from climate action have cast doubt on whether we can meet global climate commitments.

b.     Economically, green technologies such as solar power are becoming more viable. However, key decarbonisation solutions such as low- carbon hydrogen and sustainable marine fuels remain costly and face supply constraints.

c.     At the same time, the rise of digitalisation, including the use of Artificial Intelligence, has created ample opportunities to transform port operations, vessel management and maritime services. However, an increased reliance on interconnected systems also exposes the industry to growing cybersecurity risks.

3.     The message is clear: the maritime industry must take bold steps and decisive action to seize opportunities and drive change to remain resilient, sustainable, and competitive. Let me share three key areas which are vital to future-proofing the maritime sector.

 

4.     First, decarbonisation can be viewed as a competitive advantage, and not merely an additional cost. Early adopters of green initiatives will be ready for new fuel regulations and the potential implementation of carbon pricing mechanisms. Investing in alternative fuels, green port infrastructure and energy-efficient vessel technologies will also prime ports and position companies to take advantage of increasing demand for sustainable supply chains.

5.     Singapore has taken decisive action to foster a competitive and innovative ecosystem to accelerate the adoption of low- or zero-carbon fuels, while collaborating with industry stakeholders to ensure their safe and effective deployment. We are doing so across multiple pathways:

a.     In 2023, the Maritime and Port Authority, MPA, and the Energy Market Authority, EMA, launched a Request for Proposal for an ammonia power generation and bunkering solution. I am happy to update that the two consortia shortlisted for preliminary Front-End Engineering Design studies have made significant progress in developing their proposals.

b.     Separately, to increase the viability of ammonia as a marine fuel, MPA has also been collaborating closely with industry partners and the A*STAR Institute of High-Performance Computing to conduct virtual simulations of ammonia bunkering operations. These simulations are critical for evaluating and mitigating the environmental and safety risks associated with ammonia bunkering operations. This methodology is also extended to other fuels such as LNG and methanol. In parallel, Singaporean companies such as Seatrium and PSA are exploring initiatives aimed at harnessing and utilising low-carbon energy fuels for the maritime sector.

c.     To meet growing interest in methanol among shipowners, MPA is launching an open call for applications for methanol bunker supplier licences in the Port of Singapore to implement an end-to-end methanol supply model. This will build on the recently published Technical Reference for Methanol Bunkering, and the Standards for the Port Limit Methanol Bunker Tankers, to provide a consistent approach to ensure the safe and efficient use of methanol.

d.     Finally, I am pleased to announce the launch of a Technical Reference standard, TR 136 to support charging infrastructure and battery swap systems for electric harbourcraft. Developed by MPA in collaboration with Enterprise Singapore, industry stakeholders, and academia, through the Singapore Standards Council, the Technical Reference will help establish robust charging infrastructure in our port, ensuring safe, efficient, and interoperable operations.

6.     By proactively investing in multiple decarbonisation pathways and maintaining robust industry standards, Singapore will be able to contribute to and facilitate the multi-fuel transition for international shipping, ensuring our resilience and continued relevance.

 

7.     Second, as the maritime industry transforms at an unprecedented rate, we must either embrace digitalisation as a core strategy or be left adrift in its wake. From AI- powered route optimisation to smart port integration, technology is a powerful enabler, and digital solutions will streamline operations, improve efficiency, and safeguard our competitiveness in the years to come.

a.     A prime example is digital bunkering, which enhances transparency and efficiency by automating the traditional bunkering process.

b.     I announced at the 23rd Singapore International Bunkering Conference in October 2024 that Singapore will become the first port in the world to implement Digital Bunkering. With effect from 1 April 2025, bunker suppliers will be required to provide digital bunkering services and issue electronic bunker delivery notes, or e-BDNs by default.

c.     MPA will also be rolling out a common verification facility on the same day, allowing users to conveniently verify the integrity of the eBDNs.

8.    Digitalisation can also aid us in managing the safety risks associated with the shift towards alternative fuels and new propulsion technologies, enhancing operational resilience.

a.     Yesterday, Senior Minister Lee launched MPA’s Digital Twin. The platform will provide a 3D real-time view of Singapore’s port waters by integrating data from various sources to a single platform for information sharing. This will help manage challenges like port congestion, oil spills, and climate-related hazards on port workers. The digital twin also enables simulations and dispersion modelling, which will be useful in the development of standard operating procedures for the safe bunkering of alternative fuels.

9.     The advancement of Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV), or drone technology, also offers the potential to enhance efficiency, reduce reliance on labour and fuel-intensive processes and improve operational safety.

a.     In 2025, MPA will trial new drone capabilities, including coordinated drone operations to mitigate the spread of toxic and flammable fumes during chemical spills at sea.

b.     Vessels may also look forward to more drone services in the Port of Singapore. First launched in 2021 as a test bed for maritime applications, the Maritime Drone Estate will now be open for commercial services including remote inspection and shore to ship deliveries.

 

10.    Given the global nature of shipping, international collaboration is key in the industry’s digital transformation. Singapore is accelerating the adoption of global digital standards to facilitate secure data exchange between vessels, ports and shore service providers worldwide. This will optimise vessel routes and reduce vessel dwelling time, leading to lower fuel consumption.

a.     I am happy to announce that Singapore and India will be signing a Letter of Intent, or LOI, to collaborate on maritime digitalisation and decarbonisation.

b.     India’s robust IT sector and growing potential in the production and export of green marine fuels, together with Singapore’s position as a key transshipment and bunkering hub, create a complementary synergy. This strategic maritime partnership will focus on digitalisation and decarbonisation projects, with the eventual goal of establishing a Singapore-India Green and Digital Shipping Corridor (GDSC).

c.     MPA and the Port of Rotterdam will also be renewing their GDSC MOU for another three years.

d.     Since 2022, the GDSC has grown to include over 28 stakeholders across the maritime, energy and finance value chains. The consortium has conducted bio-methane certification trials, studies on green ammonia emissions, and optimised port calls.

e.     In July 2024, seven solution providers were shortlisted under a Call for Proposal to pilot real world data exchange solutions between ships and shore for paperless port operations.

f.     These initiatives reaffirm Singapore’s commitment to working with likeminded partners to advance maritime digital innovation and decarbonisation.

11.    Last but not least, we must continue to invest in our maritime workforce. Future- proofing the workforce goes beyond just upskilling; in many cases, it requires strong tripartite collaboration between the unions, industry, and government to reskill our workers to navigate the green and digital transition.

a.     Following recommendations from the Tripartite Advisory Panel in 2023, MPA is leading an industry and union-supported training facility, the Maritime Energy Training Facility, to equip maritime workers with the necessary skills to handle and operate dual-fuelled vessels. A one-stop digital platform will be unveiled later at this Conference, providing seamless global access to alternative marine fuels and new technologies training.

 

b.     Beyond the handling of alternative fuels, there is increasing demand for a highly skilled workforce to operate unmanned solutions in the complex maritime environment. I am pleased to announce that MPA and Republic Polytechnic will sign an MOU to collaborate on Unmanned Aircraft pilot training and development, as well as the exchange of best practices.

c.     MPA will also be introducing a range of opportunities for student participation, including internships and hands-on projects.

12.    By investing in our workforce, we can strengthen industry resilience and future- proof maritime operations, securing Singapore’s position as a trusted, technology- driven global maritime hub.

13.    Decarbonisation, digitalisation and manpower development are the bedrock of the maritime sector’s transformation. We cannot do this alone. Together, we can transform today’s challenges into tomorrow’s opportunities, charting a course towards a smarter, greener and more resilient future for the maritime industry.

14.    Singapore Maritime Week offers the perfect opportunity to build bridges, exchange ideas, and collaborate beyond borders. Let us harness this momentum to deliver lasting change in the maritime industry.

15.    I wish you all a fruitful and insightful conference. Thank you.