Singapore advances net-zero shipping efforts

It is advancing towards net-zero emissions in the maritime sector through digitalisation, decarbonisation, and global partnerships.

Singapore is intensifying efforts to meet the net-zero emission targets in the shipping sector.

The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) provided updates on the country's advancements in methanol and ammonia bunkering capabilities, as well as net-zero strategies for the domestic harbour craft sector during the Accelerating Digitalisation and Decarbonisation Conference. Additionally, the 3rd MaritimeSG LowCarbon50 Awards ceremony celebrated achievements in low-carbon shipping.

“As an international maritime centre and global hub port, Singapore will work with our tripartite partners and international shipping community to digitalise, enhance energy efficiency, and deploy low and zero-carbon emission marine fuels,” said MPA Chief Executive Teo Eng Dih.

He said that MPA is collaborating with stakeholders to develop pathways for marine fuels, focusing on infrastructure provision, crew training, regulations, and safety standards for bunkering these fuels.

“A key priority is to establish the end-to-end value chains for these new fuels,” he noted.

International Maritime Organization (IMO) Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez also cited progress since the adoption of the 2023 IMO Strategy on Reduction of GHG Emissions from Ships. 

He said that IMO Member States are on track to adopt mid-term measures by late 2025, including a goal-based marine fuel standard and a pricing mechanism for maritime GHG emissions, aiming to achieve net-zero GHG emissions by around 2050.

Singapore also worked with the IMO and Member States to adopt the 2023 Strategy for GHG emissions reduction from ships. Key projects include the joint IMO-MPA NextGEN initiative (GEN stands for Green and Efficient Navigation) and the IMO-Singapore SWiFT project.

During the event, MPA and the International Energy Agency (IEA) also signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on the Energy Transition of the Maritime and Port Industries to share best practices, support the adoption of zero and near-zero emission fuels, and contribute to relevant fuel-related projects and initiatives.

MPA also launched an expression of interest (EOI),  receiving 50 submissions, for the supply of methanol as a marine fuel following the completion of the world’s first ship-to-containership methanol bunkering in the country last year. 

Moreover, MPA announced the successful fuel trial of the world’s first ocean-going ammonia-powered vessel, Fortescue Green Pioneer, in Singapore. The vessel received approval to use ammonia as a marine fuel and will be berthed at Keppel Bay as part of Singapore Maritime Week 2024.

MPA and the Energy Market Authority (EMA) are also reviewing proposals to develop an end-to-end solution for low or zero-carbon ammonia for power generation and bunkering on Jurong Island.

Additionally, Singapore is also advancing its domestic targets for achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, with plans for all new harbour craft to be fully electric or compatible with net-zero fuels from 2030 onwards.

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In terms of infrastructure, operational berths at Tuas Port use electrified equipment, reducing carbon emissions by about 50%. PSA aims to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050 through various energy-saving measures.

MPA has also launched initiatives to develop a national e-HC charging infrastructure masterplan and national standards for e-HC charging infrastructure. They are also working on vessel designs for electric harbour craft and exploring financing and insurance options to support the transition to e-HC.

Aside from electrification, Singapore is also working on biofuel blends and aims to complete up to B100 standards by 2025.

To date, Singapore has already established five Green and Digital Shipping Corridors, serving as platforms for piloting and trialling alternative fuels and digital solutions.