MOL, MPA inks green and digital MoU

Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. (MOL) has signed a comprehensive Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) to deepen cooperation in the fields of decarbonisation, digitalisation, and human resources development.

MOL and MPA have been cooperating in various initiatives to decarbonise the maritime industry, the new agreement will further promote these initiatives in a wide range of fields.

Specifically, the scope of the MoU covers the following:

Collaboration in the field of decarbonisation in the maritime industry in general: Mutual collaboration to establish a supply system for next-generation fuel sources such as methanol, ammonia, and hydrogen. The collaboration will also include a study on the use of wind technology.

Digitalisation and maritime innovation: Improving voyage management and efficiency of transport operations through digitalisation, including the development of cybersecurity, collaboration on autonomous vessel trials, and nurturing a marine innovation ecosystem that emphasizes collaboration with local startups.

Joint development of maritime human resources: Grow and enhance manpower capabilities, including grooming seafarers and shore-based workforce.

MPA Chief Executive, Teo Eng Dih, said: “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 President & CEO, Takeshi Hashimoto, commented: “We have been focusing on the fields of decarbonisation, digitalisation, and human resources development, which we have decided to deepen cooperation with MPA this time.

“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.”

Last month, MOL was contracted to study the use of ships to transport liquefied CO2 as part of a CCS development project off western Kyushu.