MPA, Port of Rotterdam to create longest Green and Digital Corridor

This is expected to enable low and zero carbon shipping.

The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) and the Port of Rotterdam have partnered to establish the world’s longest Green and Digital Corridor.

The memorandum of understanding (MoU) seeks to bring together stakeholders to pave the way for the first sustainable vessels sailing on the route by 2027. 

“Decarbonising shipping is an urgent climate action priority, which requires the collective efforts of the entire maritime sector,” S Iswaran, Minister for Transport and Minister-in-Charge of Trade Relations, Singapore, said. 

“Singapore contributes actively to the International Marine Organisation’s efforts to make international shipping more sustainable, and global supply chains more resilient.”

Read more: MPA, CMA CGM Group ink deal on maritime decarbonisation, digitalisation and innovation

The MoU was signed by Quah Ley Hoon, Chief Executive of MPA, and Allard Castelein, CEO of the Port of Rotterdam with Iswaran and Ahmed Aboutaleb, Rotterdam Mayor, as witnesses.

Singapore and Rotterdam are amongst the largest bunkering ports across the world. The two port authorities attempt to address the challenges of cost, availability, safety and restrictions in accessing alternative fuels. 

Moreover, the MoU intends to optimise maritime efficiency, safety, and the transparent flow of goods through a digital trade lane. 

“[The MoU] reaffirms Singapore’s commitment towards facilitating a multi-fuel bunkering transition as part of the Maritime Singapore Decarbonisation Blueprint 2050, and accelerates our digitalisation efforts to optimise maritime efficiency and improve supply chain resilience,” MPA’s Quah Ley Hoon said.

“The pilot will complement efforts undertaken by the shipping industry, including partners such as Google Cloud, and the IMO to support decarbonisation and digitalisation transition for international shipping.”