South Korea and the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) have signed a memorandum of understanding for a “Green and Digital Shipping Corridor”. A similar agreement had previously been concluded with China.
The aim is to accelerate the switch to climate-friendly propulsion systems and promote digital processes in shipping, the two cooperation partners said in a joint statement. The document was signed in the presence of Singapore’s acting Minister of Transport, Jeffrey Siow, and Korea’s Minister of Oceans and Fisheries, Chun Jae Soo, among others, and has now been exchanged in the presence of Singapore’s Prime Minister Lawrence Wong and South Korea’s President Lee Jae Myung.
Under the agreement, the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) and the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries (MOF) will explore and implement initiatives to promote the use of zero or near-zero emission fuels in shipping. These include the development of appropriate bunkering infrastructure, the harmonization of technical standards, the exchange of expertise, pilot projects with industry and research as well as joint training opportunities for maritime stakeholders.
“This partnership underscores our shared commitment to building a sustainable and future-proof maritime sector,” said Mr. Jeffrey Siow, Acting Minister of Transport of Singapore. “Through advancements in clean energy, digital innovation and skills development, we are not only contributing to national priorities but also to global efforts for green shipping and more resilient supply chains.”
In addition, the digitalization of maritime supply chains will be accelerated to improve information sharing and operational efficiency.
Meanwhile, Chun Jae Soo, Minister of Oceans and Fisheries of the Republic of Korea, emphasized that Korea and Singapore are important maritime partners in Asia and want to jointly advance international efforts to decarbonize shipping. The cooperation is intended to promote the use of green fuels and digital solutions and thus support the sustainable growth of the global maritime sector.
Just last week, Singapore reached a similar agreement with China to establish a “green” and digital shipping corridor. The aim there is also to promote innovation, strengthen maritime connectivity and support the global transition to a more sustainable shipping industry. The agreement builds on regional partnerships with Tianjin (2023) and Shandong (2024).
