The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) on Thursday (27 April) said eight internationally recognised classification societies have signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) to collaborate in the areas of maritime digitalisation and decarbonisation.

The LOI was signed during the Accelerating Decarbonisation Conference at Singapore Maritime Week on 27 April 2023 by:

• Teo Eng Dih, Chief Executive of MPA,
• Christopher J. Wiernicki, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of American Bureau of Shipping,
• Matthieu de Tugny, President of Bureau Veritas Marine & Offshore,
• Sun Feng, Chairman and President of China Classification Society,
• Remi Eriksen, Chief Executive Officer of DNV,
• Lee Hyungchul, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Korean Register,
• Nick Brown, Chief Executive Officer of Lloyd’s Register of Shipping,
• Hiroaki Sakashita, President and Chief Executive Officer of Nippon Kaiji Kyokai (ClassNK), and
• Paolo Moretti, Chief Executive Officer of RINA Services S.p.A. 

Under the LOI, MPA and the eight classification societies will strive to collaborate in areas such as smart and autonomous shipping, cyber security, electrification, and zero- and low-carbon fuels. This will help advance the development of new technologies and solutions, and benefit the global maritime community.

• Standards and Technical References in Support of Maritime Digitalisation and Decarbonisation, and Compliance with Singapore Requirements: MPA and the classification societies will strive to work together to develop standards and technical references in the areas of maritime digitalisation and decarbonisation with a focus on meeting Singapore’s requirements as a start. This could cover zero or low-carbon marine fuels such as methanol, ammonia and hydrogen, as well as marine electrification.
• Streamlined Recognition of Singapore Registry of Ships (SRS) and Class Notations: Currently, the SRS and classification societies have their respective voluntary green, cyber, smart and welfare notations to encourage sustainable shipping and digital transformation. MPA and the respective classification societies will explore the development of a more efficient process for ships that have obtained class notations to apply for and achieve similar SRS notations. MPA will work with the respective classification societies bilaterally on safeguards if necessary.
• Develop Industry and Workforce Capability: MPA and the classification societies will strive to work together to enhance future vessel designs for both ocean-going and domestic harbour craft to enhance safety, security and efficiency of new designs. To prepare the maritime workforce to operate increasingly sophisticated vessels, an area of potential collaboration would be to develop new training curriculum for emerging skills relating to digitalisation and decarbonisation.
• Compliance with Laws and Regulations: This LOI is governed by Singapore laws. MPA will work with the respective classification societies to ensure that efforts for application in overseas markets adhere to the respective laws and regulations.

The eight classification societies are also authorised by MPA as Recognised Organisation to conduct statutory certification, survey, inspection and audit services for Singapore-registered ships.

Mr Teo Eng Dih, Chief Executive of MPA, said, “With the rapid changes brought about by decarbonisation and digitalisation, there is a need for collaboration to learn from one another, partner likeminded stakeholders to build capabilities, and accelerate the development and adoption of new technologies. This LOI will pave the way for MPA to work with these eight recognised classification societies to shape standards, and contribute to develop innovative, viable, and cost-effective measures with our trading partners, green and digital shipping corridor partners, and the global maritime community.

Photo credit: Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore
Published: 27 April, 2023