THE Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore, along with six partners, has established the Global Centre for Maritime Decarbonisation (GCMD).

The aim of GCMD is to collaborate with the industry to help the maritime sector reduce greenhouse gas emissions, implement identified decarbonisation pathways and create new business opportunities.

The decarbonisation centre was first announced during the Singapore Maritime Week in April 2021, as one of the recommendations in the International Advisory Panel for Maritime Decarbonisation’s report submitted to the Singapore Government.

MPA’s partners in the project include BHP, BW Group, Eastern Pacific Shipping, Foundation Det Norske Veritas, Ocean Network Express and Sembcorp Marine.

MPA said 31 organisations have expressed interest in collaborating with GCMD. These organisations range from shipping companies, classification societies, research centres, traders, energy players, terminal and tank operators, engineering companies, financial institutions and industry associations. MPA said GCMD will be working with these organisations to establish strong partnership and initiatives as part of its objective to deliver value to the industry globally.

GCMD is to be headed by international experts on clean energy transition and emerging solar technologies. It’s chief executive officer is Prof Lynn Loo, who will be responsible for working with GCMD’s Governing Board to develop and execute the overall strategy for the new centre.

She will also take the lead in building partnerships with the maritime industry, government agencies, international bodies and other regional and international maritime decarbonisation centres.

The centre’s chief technology officer is to be Dr Sanjay Chittarajan Kuttan. He will lead technology and research development and pilot trials initiated by the centre.  He will also be involved in standards development of future marine fuels, as well as strengthening the linkages with local research institutes and international decarbonisation centres to advance maritime decarbonisation efforts.