Ports of Southampton and Singapore explore green transportation cooperation

Associated British Ports (ABP) has welcomed a delegation from the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) to the Port of Southampton, led by Teo Eng Dih, chief executive of MPA.

Sustainable maritime cooperation

The port authorities opened discussions on various areas of potential cooperation regarding sustainable maritime transportation in the context of the UK-Singapore Green Economy Framework (UKSGEF). Both sides agreed that cooperation between key like-minded stakeholders across the maritime and port ecosystems of the UK and Singapore would be important to support the decarbonization, digitalization and growth of the maritime industry. The meeting paved the way for “further discussions on green and digital shipping cooperation between Singapore and Southampton”, ABP said.

The meeting was part of a program of events MPA was undertaking in Southampton, including meetings with the University of Southampton, the UK Hydrographic Office and Maritime and Coastguard Agency.

Maritime decarbonization and digitalization

Alastair Welch, ABP‘s regional director for Southampton, said, “It was great to welcome chief executive Teo Eng Dih and his colleagues to the Port of Southampton, the UK’s number one port for deep-sea trade. We’re committed to driving progress in sustainability, as evidenced by our leading position as the UK’s first significant shore-power provider. Partnership between ports and with governments will be key in driving real change and today’s discussions between ourselves and MPA set a great foundation for sustainable maritime trade between our two ports.”

Eng Dih said, “MPA thanks ABP for its hospitality. There is a strong base of collaboration between the UK and Singapore in maritime. Today’s discussion between the Port of Southampton, UK stakeholders and MPA was a good opportunity for us to address common challenges, learn from each other and exchange views on maritime decarbonization and digitalization. I look forward to a strong partnership in developing cost-effective solutions for the international shipping community.”

In related, news, Fortescue recently trialled a dual-fuel ammonia-powered vessel in the Port of Singapore with support from the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA). Click here to read the full story.