The CMA CGM Group, a French container transportation and shipping company, has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) to start a collaboration on developing capabilities and solutions across maritime decarbonisation, digitalisation, and innovation.
The MOU also aims to prepare for a future-ready maritime workforce with the help of training and the development of skills.
To expedite maritime decarbonisation, the partners will study the use of zero and low-carbon marine fuels like e-methane, e-methanol, and biofuels for commercial shipping.
Currently, the CMA CGM Group has 29 e-methane ready vessels in service. The French company aims to increase it to 77 by 2026.
Another objective of its MOU with the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore will be to undertake research on technologies such as carbon capture solutions.
Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore chief executive Quah Ley Hoon said: “We are happy to work with a like-minded partner like CMA CGM who shares our bold ambitions to make international shipping more sustainable and resilient, and who which also believes in taking pragmatic and concrete steps towards these aspirations.
“I am confident that this collaboration will contribute meaningful solutions to the industry’s needs, strengthen the local marinetech ecosystem, and also build the maritime workforce capability in Singapore.”
The parties will explore various opportunities for collaboration under the MOU for increased digitalisation. Among these are maritime cybersecurity as well as just-in-time shipping, which are planned to be achieved via protected and seamless exchanges of data for port and cargo documentation and reporting.
Besides, the MOU calls for the parties to collaborate on innovations like shipboard automation for increased safety, efficiency, and smarter solutions onboard vessels.
The CMA CGM Group CMA CGM and Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore will also explore setting up and investing in Singapore-based incubators and accelerators to help in the growth of Singapore-based marine technology start-ups.
CMA CGM Group chairman and CEO Rodolphe Saadé said: “Decarbonisation, digitalization, and innovation are strategic priorities for CMA CGM and the entire shipping industry. Given Singapore’s key position in our global network, I am very pleased to sign this partnership with the Maritime and Port Authority.
“It will allow us to address the challenges ahead and strengthen our existing strong ties with Singapore, its industries and its digital ecosystem, while reflecting our attachment to this country.”
