Australia and Singapore are working to operationalise action areas under the Green and Digital Shipping Corridor.
The Singapore-Australia Green and Digital Shipping Corridor (GDSC) was formalised in March 2024 through a memorandum of understanding. The initiative aims to accelerate the decarbonisation and digitalisation of the maritime sector and focuses on three key action areas:
- Enabling the supply of zero or near-zero greenhouse gas emission maritime fuels between Singapore and Australia
- Enhancing efficiency of maritime operations through digitalisation
- Supporting research and development of related technologies and solutions.
The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) and the Australian Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications, Sport and the Arts (DITRDCSA) are jointly leading the GDSC, working closely with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, relevant Australian State and Territory Governments, Designated Agencies, and Industry Partners to operationalise the action areas.
The GDSC aligns with the Green Shipping Cooperation initiative outlined in the Singapore-Australia Green Economy Agreement signed in October 2022.
Supply of zero or near-zero emission maritime fuels
To establish a supply chain of zero or near-zero greenhouse gas emission maritime fuels, MPA and DITRDCSA are facilitating discovery platforms for potential suppliers and off-takers (buyers) to meet and discuss business opportunities. Both sides are also working to create an enabling environment for the adoption of zero or near-zero emission fuels by:
- exchanging views on regulatory requirements
- sharing procedures for bunkering
- developing emergency response and training programmes for maritime workers.
These efforts aim to provide greater certainty to stakeholders, build confidence and capacity in the handling of these new fuels and address safety concerns.
Efficiency through digitalisation
MPA and DITRDCSA are exploring digital solutions to optimise maritime operations and reduce vessel fuel consumption. This includes exploring collaboration on data exchange for efficient port clearance and sharing learnings on cybersecurity. DITRDCSA is also drawing on MPA's experience developing Digitalport@SG, a one-stop digital shipping platform.
Research and development
MPA, DITRDCSA and relevant government agencies are working with research communities, startups and industry to support research, development and innovation for maritime decarbonisation.
- Eight projects were selected for funding as part of the Australia-Singapore Low Emissions Technologies (ASLET) Initiative to accelerate emissions reduction in the maritime sector. For more detail, visit the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) website and the MPA website.
- Singapore and Australia are also exploring ways our relevant startup incubators and accelerators can collaborate (e.g. PIER71, an initiative to drive digital transformation and innovation within the maritime industry).
Both countries are also sharing information on innovation initiatives with each other's startups to encourage mutual participation.
Participating Port Authorities
Australian port authorities currently involved under the GDSC include Fremantle Ports Authority, Pilbara Ports Authority, Ports Victoria and Gladstone Ports Corporation. Each is working with MPA on their own identified priority areas:
- Fremantle Ports Authority–digital solutions for port optimisation
- Pilbara Ports Authority–bunkering standards and procedures for zero or near-zero emission maritime fuels
- Ports Victoria–digital solutions for port optimisation and bunkering standards for zero or near-zero emission maritime fuels
- Gladstone Ports Corporation–information exchange on bunkering and supply chains for alternative fuels.
For more information:
Singapore and Australia Green and Digital Shipping Corridor
- maritimeemissions@infrastructure.gov.au
- Maritime | Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications, Sport and the Arts