SIMIC

The MOU, signed by Mr Rodolphe Saade, chairman and CEO of the CMA CGM Group, and Quah Ley Hoon, chief executive, MPA, also seeks to prime for a future-ready maritime workforce through training and skills development, the two parties said in a joint statement.

To accelerate maritime decarbonisation, the two parties will explore the use of zero and low-carbon marine fuels such as e-methanol, e-methane and biofuels for commercial shipping. Research on technologies such as carbon capture solutions is another objective of the MoU.

As CMA CGM advances to be a net zero carbon company by 2050, and diversifies its energy mix, the group recently ordered another 10 dual fuel LNG-powered vessels and 6 dual fuel methanol-powered vessels. Three of these LNG vessels, which will also be e-methane ready, will be registered under the Singapore flag. Such efforts to position the Singapore Registry of Ships for a low-carbon future reaffirm Singapore's commitment towards decarbonisation of the maritime industry.

CMA CGM's e-methane ready fleet currently counts 29 vessels in service and will have a total of 77 by 2026.

Various collaboration opportunities would be explored under the MoU for greater digitalisation. These include maritime cybersecurity and just-in-time shipping, achieved through secure and seamless data exchanges for port and cargo documentation and reporting.

The MoU would also see the two parties work together on innovations such as shipboard automation for more safety, efficiency and smarter solutions onboard vessels. CMA CGM and MPA will also explore establishing and investing in Singapore-based incubators and accelerators to grow Singapore-based marinetech start-ups.

Under the MoU, CMA CGM will strengthen existing collaborations with MPA in attracting talent through maritime scholarships such as the Tripartite Maritime Scholarship. The CMA CGM Group and MPA will cooperate on new industry-wide initiatives to attract and empower the Singapore-based maritime workforce, tapping on the MPA Maritime Cluster Fund.

Mr Saade said: "Decarbonisation, digitalisation, 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."

Ms Quah commented: "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."