Ports of Hamburg and Singapore sign agreement to enhance decarbonisation efforts

The Hamburg Port Authority (HPA) and the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) have signed a Letter of Intent to strengthen their partnership on decarbonisation, digitalisation and cybersecurity.

The collaboration between the two port authorities advances the bilateral partnership that was affirmed in April 2024 with the announcement of the strategic partnership between Germany and Singapore.

This agreement was signed in the presence of the Dr Amy Khor, Singapore’s Senior Minister of State, Ministry of Sustainability and the Environment and the Ministry of Transport, and Peter Tschentscher, the First Mayor of Hamburg.

The chief areas of cooperation in the maritime sector include port efficiency, maritime safety, sustainability and cybersecurity. Under the Letter of Intent, Hamburg and Singapore port authorities will collaborate in the following areas:

  • Decarbonisation: Sharing information on the development and uptake of zero and near-zero emissions fuels, including crew training and safety protocols for handling and bunkering; (b) Facilitating the exchange of information and knowledge for on-shore power supply.
  • Digitalisation: Exploring pilot projects to facilitate efficient port calls between the ports of Hamburg and Singapore; (b) Exchanging information on port procedures and systems involved in port clearance.
  • Cybersecurity: Facilitating the exchange of cybersecurity information, including the establishment of operational links between the ports of Singapore and Hamburg; (b) Providing cybersecurity training for maritime professionals and students.

HPA and MPA have committed to sharing information regarding the development and uptake of zero/near-zero carbon fuels. This include crew training and safety rules for handling and bunkering of such fuels, as well as facilitating the exchange of information regarding on-shore power supply.

In addition to Singapore, HPA signed a joint declaration of intent in September 2024 with the port authorities of Busan and Ulsan in South Korea, which will enhance their collaboration on maritime decarbonisation projects including the use of low-carbon fuels.

Source: HPA / MPA