On 16 December 2023, the Ministry of Transport of Singapore (MOT) and the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism of Japan (MLIT) inked a Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) to establish the Singapore – Japan Green and Digital Shipping Corridor.
This historic collaboration marks the first of its kind between the two nations, aiming to set standards and best practices for the maritime industry’s decarbonization, digitalization, and growth.
With Japan being among Singapore’s top trading partners, generating a trade volume of US$65 billion in 2022, this partnership involves the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore and six major Japanese ports—Port of Tokyo, Port of Yokohama, Port of Kawasaki, Port of Osaka, Port of Kobe, and Port of Nagoya.
These ports, integral to Japan’s economic regions, handled approximately 57 million tonnes of cargo in 2020 and have been actively pursuing initiatives for carbon-neutral ports.
The Green and Digital Shipping Corridor will facilitate joint efforts in piloting projects for alternative marine fuels like ammonia and hydrogen, along with the development of bunkering infrastructure, standards, and training.
In parallel, initiatives for digitalization will streamline port clearance processes, and both countries will exchange insights on maritime cybersecurity risks.
