THE MARITIME and Port Authority of Singapore and eight classification societies have signed a letter of intent to collaborate in areas of digitalisation and decarbonisation.

MPA, DNV, Lloyd’s Register, ClassNK, the American Bureau of Shipping, Bureau Veritas Marine & Offshore, China Classification Society, Korean Register and RINA Services signed the LoI during Singapore Maritime Week 2023.

Under the LoI, MPA and the eight classification societies intend to work together on smart and autonomous shipping, cyber security, electrification and zero- and low-carbon fuels.

The LoI prioritises standards and technical references, recognition of the Singapore Registry of Ships (SRS) and class notations, industry and workforce capability and compliance with laws and regulations.

More specifically, MPA and the classification societies intend to, for example, enhance future vessel designs for ocean-going and domestic harbour crafts to strengthen safety, security and efficiency of new designs.

And, to prepare the maritime workforce to operate increasingly sophisticated vessels, the signatories are considering a new training curriculum for emerging skills around digitalisation and decarbonisation.

“With the rapid changes brought about by decarbonisation and digitalisation, there is a need for collaboration to learn from one another, partner likeminded stakeholders to build capabilities and accelerate the development and adoption of new technologies,” MPA chief executive Teo Eng Dih said.

“This LoI will pave the way for MPA to work with these eight recognised classification societies to shape standards, and contribute to develop innovative, viable, and cost-effective measures with our trading partners, green and digital shipping corridor partners, and the global maritime community.”

And Lloyd’s Register CEO Nick Brown said collaboration is vital for ensuring all stakeholders in the maritime value chain have access to appropriate training and guidelines.

“This letter of intent with the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore and our fellow class societies will enable us to work together to address technical and regulatory challenges, marrying global standards creation with national implementation,” he said.

Also at Singapore Maritime Week, MPA signed a memorandum of understanding with technology group Wärtsilä that focuses on introducing the next generation of renewable fuels, optimising digital port operations and developing future talent.

Under the MoU, MPA and Wärtsilä plan to make port operations more efficient through developing reliable, secure, and cost-effective data exchanges between vessels and port operations.

They believe sharing data at scale will optimise port and vessel operations (such as just in time planning) and enhance data-based value generation.

MPA and Wärtsilä are also considering developing a concept for vessels and harbour craft using AI-based monitoring, tracking and incident response.

And also, they plan to work together to assess cyber threats to shipboard systems, ship-to-shore communications and MPA’s digital platforms.

Kenneth Lim, MPA’s assistant chief executive – industry and transformation, said the port authority looks forward to its partnership with Wärtsilä.

“Singapore is at the heart of marintech innovation and at an exciting phase for the potential introduction of maritime fuels such as methanol, hydrogen and its derivatives such as ammonia.”

And Wärtsilä president of marine power Roger Holm said the technology company has established a strong relationship with MPA over the years.

“This collaboration elevates Wärtsilä’s previous MoU with MPA to include new impactful areas in decarbonisation and talent development” Mr Holm said.

“The partnership will promote innovation and accelerate the industry’s transition to new cleaner fuels and the adoption of the latest technologies.

“By working in close cooperation with all relevant stakeholders and qualified partners, Wärtsilä and MPA are making a concerted effort to create more efficient, cost-effective, and sustainable maritime operations.”

Singapore Maritime Week 2023 ran from 24 April until 28 April.