The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA), Port of Long Beach (POLB), Port of Los Angeles (POLA), and C40 Cities have begun discussions to establish a green and digital shipping corridor between Singapore and the San Pedro Bay port complex.
According to the announcement, the corridor is expected to focus on low- and zero-carbon ship fuels, as well as digital tools to support the deployment of low- and zero-carbon vessels.
This collaborative effort supports the Green Shipping Challenge launched during the World Leaders’ Summit at the 27th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP27) in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, this week.
“Decarbonising the supply chain is the future of our industry, and partnerships like this on the world’s most important trade route are important for fulfilling that ultimate goal,” pointed out POLB executive director, Mario Cordero.
The three major container ports and C40 Cities will work closely with other stakeholders in the maritime and energy value chains to accelerate the deployment of low- and zero-carbon emission solutions, identify digital shipping programs, and develop green fuel sources for bunkering to support efficient cargo movement, according to a statement.
The new initiative also aims to accelerate investments in green infrastructure, including zero-carbon energy hubs linked to port and shipping demand.
Teo Eng Dih, chief executive of MPA, commented, “Through this corridor, we hope to support the decarbonisation of global supply chains, complementing efforts undertaken by the industry and the International Maritime Organization to drive the decarbonization and digital transition for international shipping.”
“Accelerating efforts to decarbonise the shipping sector is urgent if we are to limit global warming to 1.5°C,” noted C40 executive director, Mark Watts, who added, “This initiative has the potential to serve a range of carriers and routes by reimagining infrastructure designs and operational best practices, and advancing the feasibility of zero-carbon fuel production, supply, storage and bunkering.”
