MITSUI O.S.K Lines (MOL) has announced yesterday (26 November) that it has signed a memorandum of understanding with the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA).
The MoU, described as comprehensive by the Japanese shipping line, is intended to deepen cooperation in the fields of decarbonisation, digitalisation, and human resources development.
As MOL and MPA have already been cooperating on various initiatives to further industry decarbonisation, the new agreement is expected to promote further initiatives in a wide range of fields.
Specifically, the collaboration will seek to establish a supply system for next-generation fuel sources such as methanol, ammonia, and hydrogen, and will also include a study on the use of wind technology.
Improving voyage management and efficiency of transport operations through digitalisation, including development of cybersecurity, will be pursued, as well as collaboration on autonomous vessel trials, and nurturing a marine innovation ecosystem that emphasises collaboration with local startups.
The MoU will also look to grow and enhance manpower capabilities, including grooming seafarers and shore-based workforce, the two parties said.
MOL president & CEO Takeshi Hashimoto commented on the MoU, “MPA is committed to working hard to create a sustainable maritime industry in Singapore, the hub of the maritime industry. We pay our respect to MPA for its enthusiasm and energy”.
“The fields of bilateral cooperation are also a challenge for the maritime industry as a whole, and I hope we can increase the feasibility by working together as like-minded people.
“We are confident that the establishment of this comprehensive cooperative relationship will contribute to the maritime industry in general.”
MPA chief executive Teo Eng Dih said the MoU reaffirms MPA and MOL’s longstanding collaboration. “As a maritime hub port, supported by our innovation and research ecosystem, MPA is working closely with industry and tripartite partners to support digitalisation, cybersecurity, decarbonisation and manpower capabilities”.
“We look forward to MOL’s expansion of activities, tapping on both our experience and expertise, to develop scalable solutions for the Singapore-Japan Green and Digital Shipping Corridor and the wider maritime community.”
MOL says it will continue its group-wide concerted effort, in close cooperation with MPA and other major maritime sectors, in order to achieve net-zero emissions and contribute to the realisation of a decarbonised society.
