- The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) and the International Association of Classification Societies (IACS) have signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) to collaborate on various maritime digitalisation and decarbonisation initiatives.
- The LOI was signed by Mr Teo Eng Dih, Chief Executive of MPA and Mr Nick Brown, Council Chairman of IACS, at the sidelines of the 33rd session of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Assembly (A33) in London today.
- Under the LOI, both parties will consider the development of technical standards and unified requirements[1] to ensure that new maritime solutions are safely implemented. The LOI will focus on key areas such as smart and autonomous ships, digitalisation and cybersecurity, marine electrification, and the use of zero- and low-carbon fuels onboard vessels.
- As part of the collaboration, both parties will have regular information and knowledge exchange, including discussions on industry challenges and opportunities, standards, best practices, and emerging technologies.
- Mr Teo Eng Dih, Chief Executive, MPA, said, “As we advance and accelerate the development of new technologies and solutions which benefit the global maritime community, it is important for harmonised standards to be adopted to ensure that these solutions can be implemented safely. We look forward to contributing and working closely with IACS to shape and develop standards that can help to ensure the safety of seafarers and protection of the marine environment”.
- Mr Nick Brown, IACS Chair, stated “This novel arrangement with the Singapore MPA will assist IACS’ efforts to keep safety at the forefront of the decarbonisation agenda by facilitating access to the data and expertise of one of shipping’s key bunkering and global hub ports. By looking at the entire future fuel supply chain, IACS will be better able to address all the risk and mitigation measures that will need to be implemented onboard vessels and so ensure that safety considerations are front and centre when evaluating the prioritisation and deployment of the new fuels and technologies necessary to support the industry’s transition to a decarbonised future.”
About the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA)
MPA was established on 2 February 1996 with the mission to develop Singapore as a premier global hub port and international maritime centre, and to advance and safeguard Singapore’s strategic maritime interests. MPA is the driving force behind Singapore’s port and maritime development, taking on the roles of port authority, maritime and port regulator and planner, international maritime centre champion, national maritime representative and a champion of digitalisation and decarbonisation efforts at regional and international fora such as at the International Maritime Organization. MPA partners industry, research community and other agencies to enhance safety, security and environmental protection in our waters, facilitate maritime and port operations and growth, expand the cluster of maritime ancillary services, and develops maritime digitalisation and decarbonisation policies and plans, R&D and manpower development. MPA is responsible for the overall development and growth of the maritime domain and Port of Singapore. In 2022, Singapore remained one of the world’s busiest transshipment hubs with a container throughput of 37.3 million 20-foot equivalent units (TEUs).
For more information, please visit https://www.mpa.gov.sg
For media enquiries, please contact:
Gerald Kheng
MPA Corporate Communications
Email: gerald_kheng@mpa.gov.sg
About IACS
Dedicated to safe ships and clean seas, the International Association of Classification Societies (IACS) makes a unique contribution to maritime safety and regulation through technical support, compliance verification and research and development. More than 90% of the world’s cargo carrying tonnage is covered by the classification design, construction and through-life compliance Rules and standards set by the twelve Member Societies of IACS. More information about IACS can be found by visiting www.iacs.org.uk and in our Annual Review available online at http://www.iacs.org.uk/about/iacs-annual-review/
For media enquiries, please contact:
Robert Ashdown
IACS Secretary General
Email: robertashdown@iacs.org.uk
T: +44 (0)20 7976 0660
[1] Unified requirements are adopted resolutions by IACS on matters directly connected to or covered by specific rule requirements and practices of classification societies and the general philosophy on which the rules and practices of classification societies are established.