MPA and CMA CGM Unite to Expand Sustainable Shipping Initiatives

Green and Digital Shipping Revolution: CMA CGM and MPA enhance collaboration

Singapore Maritime and Port Authority (MPA) and French-based global shipping and logistics behemoth CMA CGM Group signed a new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen their partnership to drive sustainable shipping and digitalisation in the maritime sector. The new partnership rekindles a historical partnership and seeks to establish Singapore as a world-class maritime transformation centre with a focus on decarbonisation, digitalisation, maritime innovation, and manpower development.

The two firms have made bids to address some of the shipping sector's most pressing challenges, such as switching to renewable fuels and digitalisation. In a bid to decarbonise, CMA CGM is seeking to expand its fleet with more ships operating on alternative fuels such as liquefied natural gas (LNG) and methanol. This is part of a larger commitment to invest up to USD 20 billion in low-carbon ships. CMA CGM aims to operate 153 methanol- and synthetic-fuel-powered ships by 2029, which are at the forefront of cleaner seaborne operations. CMA CGM Iron, its first dual-fuel methanol ship, is set to arrive in Singapore this month, a major step towards cleaner shipping fuel.

In addition to its emission-cutting measure, the pact also addresses digitalisation for the shipping sector. The two will also work together to develop a carbon accounting system, enhance data exchange between ships and shore facilities, and enhance maritime cyber security. Pilot schemes will be established to test digital machinery intended to track emissions and safeguard confidential information towards more effective and transparent operation in the industry.

This innovation commitment of CMA CGM is also being exemplified by developing closer links between its homegrown innovation ecosystems, like ZEBOX Group, and the local innovation community in Singapore, PIER71™. This collaboration will again cement Singapore as an international maritime innovation hub.

Workforce training is also a key area of focus under the new MoU. CMA CGM and the Maritime Energy Training Facility (METF) will provide training to seafarers on handling alternative fuels such as ammonia and methanol. The training schemes are designed to equip the workforce for the phasing out of the maritime industry towards cleaner fuels.

MPA and CMA CGM's alliance is a public affirmation of the shipping community's growing dedication to innovation and sustainability. Both are using their combined knowledge to drive the industry's evolution, putting Singapore at the forefront of maritime decarbonisation and digitalisation.