MPA to accredit Singapore-flagged ships in 4 areas, with extra benefits for those in green category

THE Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) will roll out an accreditation system to recognise shipowners and operators that drive digital transformation, strengthen cybersecurity, enhance the well-being of seafarers and pursue sustainable shipping.

The accreditation known as the Singapore Registry of Ships (SRS) Notation will be rolled out on Nov 1 to Singapore-flagged vessels under four categories: smart, cyber, welfare and green, as announced by Chee Hong Tat, Senior Minister of State for Transport, at the 2021 SRS Forum at Ritz Carlton Millenia Singapore on Oct 8.

The green notation to be awarded to vessels that have implemented solutions to reduce carbon emissions will allow operators of these vessels to receive additional benefits from 2022 onwards, such as lower initial registration fees and rebates on annual tonnage taxes during the qualifying duration.

Chee stated: "We will also consider incentives for awardees of other SRS Notation categories in future."

The accreditation is the first by a ship registry.

Organised by MPA, this year's forum, themed Your Partner In Quality And Sustainable Shipping, focused on topics related to fleet improvement, prevention of container fire onboard and shipping decarbonisation.

Wan Hai Lines won the SRS Top Net Tonnage Contributor Award. Also, it was among 15 firms that were presented the Green Ship Certificate at the forum in recognition for their efforts in reducing the environmental impact of their fleet.

Into its 55th year, the SRS has over 4,000 ships with an average age of about 11 years and an aggregate gross tonnage of more than 93 million.