-
UN Trade and Development and the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore have partnered to speed up implementation of digital tools and green energy within the international shipping industry
-
The collaboration aims to decarbonize the maritime industry by developing scalable digital and clean energy solutions specifically tailored for ports in developing nations
-
Singapore will serve as a primary testbed for these innovations
-
UNCTAD will provide the policy framework and technical assistance needed to implement them globally
-
The collaboration combines Singapore’s maritime expertise with UNCTAD’s developmental reach to modernize global ports through green technology and capacity building ahead of the 2026 UN Global Supply Chain Forum
The United Nations Trade and Development (UNCTAD) and the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) established a partnership to accelerate the adoption of digital technologies and sustainable energy in the global shipping sector.
The agreement, announced during the Singapore Maritime Week, aims to provide practical solutions for port decarbonization, with a specific focus on supporting developing nations. The initiative seeks to address the environmental impact of the maritime industry, which handles over 80% of world trade volume but remains heavily dependent on fossil fuels.
Under the new framework, Singapore will serve as a primary site for testing and scaling innovations in cleaner fuels and digital infrastructure. UNCTAD will leverage its policy expertise to adapt these technologies for different national contexts and provide technical assistance to countries modernizing their trade networks.
“This partnership brings together Singapore’s operational excellence and UNCTAD’s global development expertise,” Pedro Manuel Moreno, acting secretary-general of UNCTAD, said in a press release.
Moreno noted that the collaboration is intended to ensure the transition to greener shipping remains inclusive and resilient to global disruptions.
The partnership focuses on three primary areas:
- Technology and fuels: Promoting the transition to cleaner energy sources and digital tools across global port networks;
- Capacity building: Offering training and advisory services to improve port performance and connectivity in developing economies;
- and Strategic planning: Sharing expertise in sustainable finance and workforce development to facilitate industry-wide modernization.
The collaboration also serves as a precursor to the UN Global Supply Chain Forum, scheduled for late 2026.
Data and progress from the UNCTAD-MPA initiative are expected to guide intergovernmental discussions regarding the future of trade logistics and infrastructure resilience.
READ: Shipping forges on with decarbonization even without approved net zero framework
By combining Singapore’s position as a global maritime hub with UNCTAD’s developmental reach, the organizations aim to help ports reduce emissions without compromising the efficiency of international supply chains.
READ: Singapore ranks as top container port in new global rating
