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The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore and the CMA CGM Group recently renewed an MOU to advance sustainable shipping and innovation
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The renewed partnership builds on an earlier MoU signed in 2022 and underscores the shared commitment to strengthening Singapore’s position as a premier maritime hub
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Under the MoU, CMA CGM plans to expand its fleet and vessel tonnage, adding more vessels under the Singapore Registry of Ships, including four 23,000 TEU LNG vessels
The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) and the CMA CGM Group recently renewed a memorandum of understanding to advance sustainable shipping and innovation.
The renewed partnership builds on an earlier MoU signed in 2022 and underscores the shared commitment to strengthening Singapore’s position as a premier maritime hub, a joint statement by the entities said.
The MoU was signed by Teo Eng Dih, Chief Executive of MPA and Rodolphe Saadé, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the CMA CGM Group.
According to Teo Eng Dih: “This MoU marks a significant milestone of our collaboration with CMA CGM and also demonstrates CMA CGM’s significant support towards our shared vision to drive decarbonization and digitalization and support manpower development within the maritime sector.”
Said Saadé: “Together, we will drive forward innovative initiatives, particularly in the adoption of alternative fuels and digitalization to enhance efficiency and performance. This collaboration reflects our commitment to leveraging top expertise to build a more resilient and sustainable global trade.”
Under the MoU, CMA CGM plans to expand its fleet and vessel tonnage, adding more vessels under the Singapore Registry of Ships, including four 23,000 TEU liquified natural gas (LNG) vessels.
The move reinforces Singapore’s position as a maritime hub for CMA CGM and supports the company’s goal of achieving Net Zero Carbon by 2050.
The CMA CGM Group has invested almost $20 billion to order LNG and methanol-powered ships and will have 153 vessels capable of using low-carbon energies – biogas, biomethanol and synthetic fuels – in its fleet by 2029.
To support the transition to more sustainable fuels, CMA CGM will register and bunker alternative-fuel vessels under the Singapore flag.
With its expertise and insights on alternative fuels, the company will also participate in bunkering trials.
CMA CGM Iron, the company’s first of 12 dual-fuel methanol vessels, made its maiden call in Singapore in early this month.
Further, MPA and CMA CGM will explore pilot trials, including the test bedding of an online registry for carbon accounting, and sharing best practices for zero and near-zero emission marine fuels.
Both parties will also propose an implementation plan to trial and pilot standards for efficient and secure data exchange between ship and shore.
CMA CGM will also engage in cybersecurity initiatives with MPA to enhance digital security in maritime operations.
The collaboration aims to strengthen the maritime innovation ecosystem in Singapore by fostering close ties between CMA CGM Group’s entities, such as ZEBOX Group, and local innovation platforms like PIER71TM.
The partnership will further develop local talent through leadership programs, exchanges, internships, and scholarships. CMA CGM will work with the Maritime Energy Training Facility (METF) to develop a seafarers’ training program for operating alternative fuel vessels.
Announced last year, the METF focuses on equipping the workforce with skills to handle new fuels like ammonia and methanol, ensuring industry readiness for the transitions.
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