MPA, IEA sign MoU to advance maritime energy transition

They will work together to develop and adopt zero and near-zero emission fuels and technologies.

The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) and the International Energy Agency (IEA) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to intensify collaboration on maritime decarbonisation and digitalisation.

The MoU was signed by Teo Eng Dih, chief executive of MPA, and Fatih Birol, executive director of IEA, at the Singapore Maritime Week 2024.

The MPA and IEA will work together to advance the development and adoption of zero and near-zero emission fuels and technologies in line with the International Maritime Organization and global climate targets. Additionally, the partnership will focus on leveraging digital technologies to support sustainability solutions.

Key initiatives include sharing best practices, capacity-building programs, and contributing to fuel-related projects like the IMO-Singapore NextGEN and NEXTGen Connect Initiatives. The IEA is also expected to leverage MPA's expertise for global and regional hydrogen development analyses.

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“Greater international collaboration in maritime and energy industries is critical for international shipping to meet international decarbonisation goals,” said Teo. “MPA looks forward to accelerating maritime decarbonisation and digitalisation with IEA, and supporting the work of the new IEA Regional Cooperation Centre to be established in Singapore,” he added.

Gould also acknowledged the challenges in decarbonising the shipping industry and welcomed the MoU as a significant step towards collaboration with MPA to promote low-emission fuels.

“We now warmly welcome this MoU as a major step forward in our cooperation with the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore, a critical player in the region and the world, to improve access to low-emission fuels."