Singapore & France Partner To Advance Digitalisation & Innovation In Maritime Sector

Singapore and France have signed an Enhanced Maritime Partnership Agreement to boost cooperation on maritime decarbonisation, digitalisation, cybersecurity, innovation, and training.

The agreement was signed by French Minister for Transport, Mr Philippe Tabarot, and Singapore’s Acting Minister for Transport and Senior Minister of State for Finance, Mr Jeffrey Siow, during President Emmanuel Macron’s state visit to Singapore.

The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) and France’s Directorate General for Maritime Affairs, Fisheries and Aquaculture (DGAMPA) are the key agencies behind this agreement. It builds on their earlier maritime partnership launched in 2021 and aims to strengthen collaboration between the two countries, both known as leading global maritime hubs.

The new partnership focuses on several key areas. These include joint efforts on green shipping, port digitalisation, maritime safety, cybersecurity, innovation, and training. The agreement also highlights a shared commitment to finding sustainable, secure, and innovative solutions for the maritime sector.

As part of the partnership, both sides will work closely with industry players to carry out pilot projects targeting the focus areas. In the area of maritime decarbonisation, one of the main goals is to develop a bio-methane supply chain and create a certification framework.

This framework will ensure that the fuel meets international sustainability standards and follows accounting rules under both the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and the International Maritime Organization.

Singapore will also conduct its first bio-methane bunkering trial as part of this partnership. The trial will be done with French shipping company CMA CGM, using the certification framework developed under this initiative.

MPA will collaborate with HAROPA PORT and the Port of Marseille-Fos to improve port call optimisation and enhance digital systems in maritime operations.

This includes testing ship-to-shore data exchange systems with CMA CGM to automate port clearance processes, reduce the need for manual paperwork, and improve the speed and accuracy of operational data using globally recognised digital standards.

The partnership also aims to promote innovation and entrepreneurship in the maritime industry. Both countries will encourage maritime companies, investors, and startups to join open innovation platforms such as the PIER71 Smart Port Challenge, ZEBOX, and Landing Pad.

MPA’s Chief Executive, Mr Teo Eng Dih, described the partnership as an important step to strengthen maritime ties between Singapore and France. He stated that the collaboration would help develop practical solutions to support a greener and more connected maritime future.

DGAMPA’s Director General, Mr Eric Banel, shared that the agreement shows the two countries’ mutual commitment to creating sustainable, secure, and innovative maritime systems.

Reference: MPA

Source: Maritime Shipping News