Singapore in talks to establish green shipping corridor with key US ports
SINGAPORE is in discussions with two key US ports to establish a green shipping corridor that will focus on rolling out low- and zero-carbon fuels for bunkering, and digital tools to support the deployment of ships that run on such fuel.
The corridor, between Singapore and San Pedro Bay port complex, came about as part of a COP27 challenge galvanising members of the shipping value chain to commit to concrete steps that can decarbonise the industry, the parties said in a joint statement on Monday (Nov 7).
The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA), the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach, and C40 Cities – a global network of mayors who have existing initiatives with the US ports – said their effort will support the decarbonisation aim. It will also catalyse investment in green infrastructure, including zero-carbon energy hubs linked to port and shipping demand.
C40’s executive director Mark Watts noted in particular that the initiative has the potential to serve a range of carriers and routes by re-imagining infrastructure designs and operational best practices, and advancing the feasibility of zero-carbon fuel production, supply, storage and bunkering.
The statement noted that Singapore, Los Angeles and Long Beach, as hub ports, are vital nodes on the transpacific shipping lanes. The Port of Los Angeles is the busiest seaport in the Western Hemisphere, while Singapore is the world’s busiest transhipment hub, with a container throughput of 37.5 million 20-foot equivalent units.
With the corridor, they will work closely with other stakeholders in the maritime and energy value chains to accelerate the deployment of low- and zero-carbon emission solutions, identify digital shipping programmes, and develop green fuel sources for bunkering to support efficient cargo movement.
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MPA chief executive Teo Eng Dih said the authority is pleased to support the corridor given the US ports’ strong connectivity and existing initiatives with C40 Cities.
“Through this corridor, we hope to support the decarbonisation of global supply chains, complementing efforts undertaken by the industry and the International Maritime Organization to drive the decarbonisation and digital transition for international shipping,” Teo added.
Port of Los Angeles executive director Gene Seroka said the partnership will help it build a network of ports and key stakeholders to help decarbonise goods movement throughout the Pacific region.
Mario Cordero, Port of Long Beach’s executive director, said the port is excited about developing this initiative in the coming months and what it means for making operations more efficient.
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