24 September 2021, Singapore — The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA), the Singapore Shipping Association (SSA), and the UN Global Compact Network Singapore (GCNS) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) today to jointly support the development of capabilities in carbon accounting amongst maritime companies in Singapore.

The MoU was signed by Ms Quah Ley Hoon, Chief Executive of MPA, Mr Michael Phoon, Executive Director of SSA, and Ms Esther Chang, Executive Director of GCNS, at a virtual ceremony.

Under the MoU, the three parties will cooperate in the following areas: i) Training: Conduct training courses on carbon reporting, monitoring and management for local maritime companies affiliated with SSA. ii) Support and Recognition: Support local maritime companies in their journey to track and monitor their carbon emissions, and to recognise companies in their emissions reduction. iii) Sharing of Best Practices: Develop a guide on maritime sector carbon reporting.

The first run of the training courses will start in the first week of October. In addition to learning best practices in emissions management and reduction, trainees from participating companies will experience using the Carbon and Emissions Reporting Tool (CERT) as a starting point to measure and monitor their emissions.

Developed by GCNS with input from the National Environment Agency, CERT is designed to simplify the process of recording emissions data.

Ms Quah shared, “A collective effort is key to helping the local maritime industry achieve their decarbonisation goals. MPA is pleased to partner with GCNS to tap on its expertise on corporate sustainability, as well as to tap on the industry know-how and network of SSA in this critical endeavour to help maritime companies transit to a more sustainable future.”

Mr Phoon said, “As a key maritime stakeholder, SSA can contribute to the IMO 2050 decarbonisation goals by steering our members and the shipping community to undertake carbon accounting, and embrace efforts towards reducing carbon footprint. We hope this collaboration with MPA and GCNS will enable the shipping industry to do our part towards decarbonisation.”

Ms Chang added, “Decarbonisation has become a global imperative for countries and businesses alike. As a key engine of Singapore’s economy, the maritime industry has great potential to steer actions and progress on decarbonisation. GCNS is delighted to partner with MPA and SSA to help companies chart their paths towards a low-carbon future.”

Through an MoU signed in 2017, MPA partnered GCNS to provide maritime companies with training on sustainability reporting. The MoU was extended in 2020 till 2023 to promote carbon management and awareness amongst maritime companies.

Please refer to the Annex for the joint objectives of the MoU.

About the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA)

The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) was established on 2 February 1996, with the mission to develop Singapore as a premier global hub port and international maritime centre (IMC), and to advance and safeguard Singapore’s strategic maritime interests. MPA is the driving force behind Singapore’s port and maritime development, taking on the roles of Port Authority, Port Regulator, Port Planner, IMC Champion, and National Maritime Representative. MPA partners the industry and other agencies to enhance safety, security and environmental protection in our port waters, facilitate port operations and growth, expand the cluster of maritime ancillary services, and promote maritime R&D and manpower.

About the Singapore Shipping Association (SSA)

The Singapore Shipping Association (SSA), formed in 1985, represents a wide spectrum of shipping companies and other businesses allied to the shipping industry. It is a national trade association to serve and promote the interests of its members and to enhance the competitiveness of Singapore as an International Maritime Centre.SSA engages and collaborates with the shipping industry’s key stakeholders to promote the interests of shipping in Singapore and internationally. As a trusted advisor and partner to related government agencies and maritime organisations, SSA collaborates with relevant maritime stakeholders to protect the marine environment as well as promote freedom and safety at sea. Currently, the SSA represents over 470 member companies.

About UN Global Compact Network Singapore (GCNS)

UN Global Compact Network Singapore (GCNS) was founded in 2005, and is the local chapter of the United Nations Global Compact. As the leading voice on corporate sustainability, GCNS drives multi-stakeholder action to forge a more sustainable future, founded on the Ten Principles of the United Nations Global Compact and the Sustainable Development Goals.

Through various platforms and partnerships, GCNS advances the stewardship of sustainable business practices and Singapore’s national agenda of becoming a regional sustainable business hub. In addition, GCNS nurtures the next generation of responsible business leaders through its youth initiatives.

For media queries, please contact:

Ms Serene Liu
Corporate Communications, Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore
HP : (65) 9824 6525
Email : serene_liu@mpa.gov.sg

Ms Claire Lim
Communications Director, Singapore Shipping Association
Tel: 63052277
Email: claire@ssa.org.sg

Ms Kimberley Kok
Manager (Communications), UN Global Compact Network Singapore
HP: 9189 4648
Email: kimberley.kok@unglobalcompact.sg