THE MARITIME and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) and China’s Shandong Provincial Transport Department have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to establish the Singapore – Shandong Green and Digital Shipping Corridor (GDSC).
The MPA says the Singapore and Shandong GDSC intends to tap the growing trade and shipping volumes between the two economic centres, supported by their research and innovation ecosystems.
The MoU aims to drive the adoption of green and digital solutions, and growth of the maritime industry between Singapore and the Bohai and Yellow Sea regions.
The MoU will see the two authorities work with various stakeholders, including maritime administrations, port operators, maritime companies, and shipyards to promote digital and low-carbon shipping initiatives.
Singapore is one of the world’s largest bunkering hubs and busiest transshipment seaports, while Shandong hosts a cluster of ports and shipyards along China’s coastline, including Qingdao Port, which is among the world’s busiest container ports.
Shandong is also the second most populous province in China, with a population of approximately 101 million, and boasts the third largest provincial economy in China with a GDP of over USD$1 trillion.
The MPA says focus areas of the MoU will include exploring collaboration in emerging technologies, training in safe handling of alternative fuels, knowledge sharing on shore power technologies, exchange of digital information to facilitate port clearances, and sharing of standards and best practices.
The MoU marks the second GDSC between Singapore and China following the Singapore and Tianjin GDSC established in 2023.
