Singapore, Australia launch maritime decarbonisation plan

The plan accelerates the deployment of technologies that reduce greenhouse gases.

Singapore and Australia have teamed up for an initiative that aims to accelerate decarbonisation of both countries’ maritime sectors.

The Australia-Singapore Initiative on Low Emissions Technologies (ASLET) for maritime and port operations will be implemented by CSIRO, Australia’s national science agency, and the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA).

Singapore and Australia each pledged to allocate up to $10 million, in their respective currencies, to fund projects under the  initiative. The program anticipates attracting additional financial contributions from industry partners.

ASLET “intends to support the outcomes of the Singapore and Australia Green and Digital Shipping Corridor (GDSC), which will help decarbonise and digitise shipping routes between Singapore and Australia,” the countries said in a joint statement.

Through this programme, authorities aim to formulate new solutions, and boost the deployment and uptake of zero or near-zero greenhouse gas emission technologies. This will also look into possible cooperation between Australia and Singapore in green shipping and port infrastructure initiatives.

Furthermore, it will facilitate the research, demonstration, and commercialisation of zero and near-zero greenhouse gas emission technologies, fuels, and energy sources for use in maritime shipping and port operations, the statement read.

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Both countries will equally provide the investment for the project, but it is also expected to attract industry co-funding.

The first ASLET steering committee meeting will be held on 19 April at the Singapore Maritime Week. This aims to provide strategic direction, and evaluate projects on low-emission technology projects for maritime and port operations. 

The steering committee plans to issue a grant call to come up with a list of projects consistent with the focus areas.