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SMW 2021: MPA & Partners ink SGD 120 million fund to establish maritime decarbonisation centre

Two separate agreements were signed: an MoC with stakeholders in the shipping industry to establish the fund, and an MoU with investment company Temasek.

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The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) said it will join hands with industry partners under two separate agreements signed on Wednesday (21 April) to advance decarbonisation efforts in the maritime industry.

Chee Hong Tat, Senior Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and Transport, witnessed the signing of the two agreements.

Firstly, MPA signed a memorandum of cooperation (MoC) with BW Group, Sembcorp Marine, Eastern Pacific Shipping, Ocean Network Express, Foundation Det Norske Veritas and BHP to establish a fund for a maritime decarbonisation centre to be set up in Singapore.

This follows the release of a recommendation by the International Advisory Panel on Maritime Decarbonisation (IAP) to set up a maritime decarbonisation centre in Singapore.

Under the MoC, each private sector partner will contribute SGD 10 million (USD 7.5 million) to support the establishment of the centre, fund maritime-decarbonisation-related research and technology development projects and collaborate with institutes of higher learning and research institutes.

MPA will add SGD 60 million (USD 45 million) R&D funding to these contributions, bringing the fund to a total of SGD 120 million.

“Maritime decarbonisation is a global challenge requiring a collective responsibility from all stakeholders involved. It is crucial to have strong public-private sector partnerships,” said Quah Ley Hoon, Chief Executive of MPA.

“We thank like-minded partners that have responded strongly to our call for collaboration. The agreements signed today are two initial steps, which we hope will catalyse a larger, much needed momentum to make international shipping more sustainable.”

“We are delighted to be able to contribute to this initiative. Climate change is a defining challenge of our time, and the only way to tackle this is with cross-border, cross-sector collaboration,” added Andreas Sohmen-Pao, Chairman, BW Group.

“While helping to find solutions for the industry, companies can also help themselves to prepare for the future by being part of this effort. We look forward to partnerships and insights through the centre.”

“Collaboration and knowledge sharing is the new normal to advance decarbonisation in the maritime industry,” noted Wong Weng Sun, President & Chief Executive Officer, Sembcorp Marine.

“SembCorp Marine believes that an interconnected approach to tap the best- in-class capabilities of players in our industry will lead to breakthrough outcomes in decarbonisation.”

“Sustainability begins with accountability and maritime leaders have a responsibility to implement emission-lowering solutions available today while simultaneously developing solutions for tomorrow,” added Cyril Ducau, Chief Executive Officer, Eastern Pacific Shipping.

“The formation of a maritime decarbonisation centre is a major milestone, combining forces of both public and private industry players,” said Cyril Ducau, Chief Executive Officer, Eastern Pacific Shipping.

“It proves that the sector is willing to band together and take ownership of environmental preservation for future generations. EPS is proud to be part of this partnership.”

“This is a further significant step forward by ONE, in alignment with its new green strategy direction. ONE is committed to accelerating maritime decarbonisation collaboration at both governmental and private sector industry level,” commented Jeremy Nixon, CEO, Ocean Network Express.

“The Foundation Det Norske Veritas is driven by a desire to help society tackle major global transformations,” noted Remi Eriksen, Chief Executive Officer, Foundation Det Norske Veritas and DNV.

“Transforming the world energy system is one of the biggest challenges confronting society, and shipping must play its part. But this cannot be achieved without industry wide collaboration. Working together, I am confident the Centre will deliver a global impact on decarbonisation while further bolstering the Foundation’s purpose of safeguarding life, property and the environment.”

“The key to navigating the pathway to decarbonisation in the maritime industry is an ecosystem approach with all partners working collaboratively towards the same goal,” said Vandita Pant, Chief Commercial Officer, BHP.

“BHP is proud to sign this Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC), and is committed along with our other like-minded companies, to lead the maritime sector towards that goal through the marine decarbonisation centre.”

MPA also signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Singapore-headquartered investment company, Temasek, to explore collaborations related to decarbonisation of port operations, development and use of low-carbon and/or alternative marine energy sources and decarbonisation of the other parts of the global and regional maritime supply chain, with Temasek and Temasek Portfolio Companies at the same event today.

“Decarbonisation is an important priority for the maritime industry. This MPA-Temasek agreement paves the way for joint efforts aimed at reducing carbon emissions across port operations, maritime supply chains and shipping, including new potential low- or no-carbon fuels for ships,” said Juliet Teo, Head of Transportation and Logistics at Temasek.

“This partnership underscores Temasek’s commitment to a net zero carbon emissions portfolio by 2050 by applying our capital to catalyse new, potentially game- changing, solutions to today’s carbon challenges.”

MPA Temasek

Photo credit: Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore
Published: 21 April, 2021

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Winding up

Singapore: Heng Tong Fuels & Shipping Pte Ltd to be wound up voluntarily

Nicholas James Gronow, director of the Singapore-based bunker tanker owner, filed a statutory declaration last year for the company, stating the firm cannot continue their businesses due to its liabilities.

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Several written resolutions for Singapore-based bunker tanker owner Heng Tong Fuels & Shipping Pte Ltd (HTFS) were approved by the sole shareholder of the company on 19 June, according to a post in the Government Gazette on Friday (26 June).

Manifold Times previously reported a director of HTFS filing a statutory declaration (SD) with the Official Receiver’s office stating that the company cannot continue its business due to its liabilities.

The company was reportedly affiliated with troubled Singapore bunker player Coastal Oil (Singapore) Pte Ltd. 

The duly passed resolutions were:

SPECIAL RESOLUTIONS:

  • That the Company be wound up voluntarily pursuant to Section 160(1)(b) of the Insolvency, Restructuring and Dissolution Act 2018 (No. 40 of 2018).
  • That the Liquidators be authorised to exercise any or all of the powers provided under Section 144(1)(b), (c), (d), (e), (f) and (g) and 144(2) of the Insolvency, Restructuring and Dissolution Act 2018 (No. 40 of 2018).
  • That the Liquidators be and are hereby authorised to distribute in cash or in specie any or all of the assets of the Company remaining after satisfaction of all debts and liabilities.

ORDINARY RESOLUTIONS:

  • That Mr. Wong Pheng Cheong Martin and Ms. Koay May Yee, both care of FTI Consulting (Singapore) Pte. Ltd., One Raffles Quay #27-10 South Tower Singapore 048583 be and are hereby appointed the joint and several Liquidators of the Company for the purpose of such winding up and that the Liquidators be indemnified by the Company against all costs, charges, losses, expenses and liabilities incurred or sustained by them in the execution and discharge of their duties in relation thereto.
  • That the remuneration of the Liquidators be based on their normal scale rates for carrying out the engagement plus disbursements and the prevailing goods-and-services tax and that the Liquidators’ remuneration be paid out of the assets of the Company.

In another notice, the liquidators of Heng Tong Fuels & Shipping said creditors for the company are required on or before the 27 July to send in their names and addresses and particulars of their debts or claims, and the names and addresses of their solicitors (if any) to the liquidators. 

Liquidators may also require creditors to, “come in and prove their debts or claims at such time and place as shall be specified in such notice, or in default thereof they will be excluded from the benefit of any distribution made before such debts are proved.”

The liquidators can be contacted at the following address:

WONG PHENG CHEONG MARTIN
KOAY MAY YEE
JOINT AND SEVERAL LIQUIDATORS
of FTI Consulting (Singapore) Pte. Ltd.
One Raffles Quay
#27-10 South Tower
Singapore 048583

Related: Singapore: Director declares Heng Tong Fuels & Shipping’s inability to continue business
Related: Heng Tong Fuels & Shipping in court over DBS Bank bunker tanker loan
Related: Singapore: Bunker tanker “Coastal Neptune” arrested
Related: Heng Tong Fuels & Shipping, Coastal Logistics tankers enter S&P market

 

Photo credit: Benjamin child
Published: 29 June, 2026

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Incident

MPA ‘deeply concerned’ over projectile strike on Singapore-registered ship in Hormuz Strait

Container ship “Ever Lovely” sustained minor damage to the bridge area from an unknown projectile while leaving the Strait of Hormuz on 25 June at about 10pm (Singapore Time).

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Container ship “Ever Lovely”

The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) on Friday (26 June) said the Singapore-registered container ship Ever Lovely sustained minor damage to the bridge area from an unknown projectile while leaving the Strait of Hormuz on 25 June at about 10pm (Singapore Time). 

The vessel has since completed its transit through the Strait of Hormuz and is proceeding on its voyage.

“All 21 crew members are safe. There are no Singaporeans onboard,” MPA said in a statement. 

MPA said it will continue to remain in close contact with the vessel’s management company and provide the necessary assistance.

“MPA is deeply concerned about the incident, which was unprovoked, unjustifiable, and a breach of international law,” it added.

“All actions affecting international shipping must fully comply with international law, in particular the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, and not endanger the safety of seafarers and ships at sea.”

 

Photo credit: MarineTraffic / Michael Schindler
Published: 29 June, 2026

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Bunker Fuel

Singapore: MaritimeONE Case Summit 2026 spotlights bunkering, decarbonisation challenges

This year’s challenge statements focus on maritime logistics optimisation, carbon emissions reduction, energy security and bunkering decision-making amid geopolitical uncertainty.

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Singapore: MaritimeONE Case Summit 2026 spotlights bunkering, decarbonisation challenges

The Singapore Maritime Foundation (SMF) recently launched the 7th edition of the MaritimeONE Case Summit, in partnership with industry sponsors. 

Through this annual case competition, students from Singapore’s universities and polytechnics will apply their knowledge to respond to some of the maritime industry’s most pressing challenges, hone teamwork and cross-disciplinary skills, and build professional networks. 

Supported by industry sponsors AET, MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company, Petredec Global and Pacific International Lines (PIL), this year’s challenge statements focus on maritime logistics optimisation, carbon emissions reduction, energy security and bunkering decision-making amid geopolitical uncertainty.

Registration for the competition runs from 24 June to 27 July, with the proof-of-concept submission due 12 August.

Students are invited to form teams of two to four, select one of four challenge statements to work on, and register by the application deadline. Participating teams will then submit a Proof-of-Concept for evaluation. Following the assessment round, shortlisted finalist teams will be mentored to refine their solutions in preparation for the Closed-Door Judging. Winners will be announced at the Award Ceremony on 23 October 2026.

“The four challenge statements this year reflect key issues that the maritime industry is navigating today. These span environment, social and governance (ESG), energy security, and technology to augment decision-making. I thank AET, MSC, Petredec Global and PIL for putting forward challenges that give students hands-on opportunities to address practical industry issues with rigour and imagination. Such exposures will equip the students better when they join the maritime industry,” said Mr. Hor Weng Yew, Chairman, SMF.

Note: Registration of the competition and more details on the challenge statements can be found here

 

Photo credit: Singapore Maritime Foundation
Published: 29 June, 2026

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