Affirmed through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed today, 3rd August, the agreement aims to realise the first sustainable vessels sailing on the route by 2027.
As two of the largest bunkering ports in the world, Singapore and Rotterdam are considered essential links on the Asian-European shipping lanes.
By switching to alternative fuels such as biogas, synthetic methane, hydrogen, and hydrogen-based fuels including ammonia and methanol – some of which are in various stages of R&D for future trials and deployment – port authorities could collectively decarbonise the industry.
Stating that shipping is among the ‘most important’ industries to decarbonise, Allard Castelein, CEO, Port of Rotterdam Authority, added, “By bringing together parties across the supply chain along one of the world’s biggest trade lanes, we can enable carriers to switch to zero-carbon fuels and speed up the transition to more sustainable shipping.”
In addition to exploring the potential for alternative fuels, the MoU aims to establish a digital trade lane which promotes the sharing of data, electronic documentation, and standards.
“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,” commented Quah Ley Hoon, Chief Executive of MPA.
The Green and Digital Corridor project will see the port authorities work alongside partners the Global Centre for Maritime Decarbonisation and the Maersk Mc-Kinney Moller Center for Zero-Carbon Shipping and industry partners such as bp, CMA CGM, Digital Container Shipping Association, Maersk, and MSC.