S$100 million Boost to Clean and Green Shipping in Singapore
S$100 million Boost to Clean and Green Shipping in Singapore
12 maritime organisations pledge their commitment to environmentally friendly shipping
Clean and green shipping in Singapore got a shot in the arm as the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) launched a comprehensive package to promote environmentally-friendly shipping.
Maritime Singapore Green Initiative
Called the Maritime Singapore Green Initiative, it was announced by Mr Raymond Lim, Minister for Transport and Second Minister for Foreign Affairs at the Singapore International Maritime Awards 2011 on 12 April 2011.
Emphasising Singapore's commitment to address greenhouse gas emissions by shipping, Minister Lim said, "To encourage companies who are ready or thinking about undertaking environmentally-friendly shipping practices above and beyond what is IMO-mandated, the MPA will invest up to S$100 million over the next five years in the Maritime Singapore Green Initiative. This initiative underscores Singapore's commitment as a responsible flag, and port state to clean and green shipping."
The Maritime Singapore Green Initiative seeks to further reduce the environmental impact of shipping and related activities and to promote clean and green shipping. It is a comprehensive initiative comprising three programmes - 'Green Ship Programme', 'Green Port Programme' and 'Green Technology Programme'.
Under the Green Ship Programme targeted at Singapore-flagged ships, MPA will provide incentives to ship owners who adopt energy efficient ship designs that reduce fuel consumption and carbon dioxide emissions. Singapore-flagged ships which go beyond the requirements of IMO's Energy Efficiency Design Index will enjoy a 50% reduction of Initial Registration Fees (IRF) and a 20% rebate on Annual Tonnage Tax (ATT) payable. Ship owners will also be recognised through certificates and a new "SRS Green Ship of the Year" award starting from the next Singapore International Maritime Awards.
The Green Port Programme is aimed at encouraging ocean-going ships calling at the Port of Singapore to reduce the emission of pollutants like sulphur oxides and nitrogen oxides. Ships that use type-approved abatement/scrubber technology or burn clean fuels with low sulphur content beyond MARPOL requirements within the port can enjoy a 15% reduction on port dues payable.
The Green Technology Programme aims to encourage local maritime companies to develop and adopt green technologies through co-funding of up to half of qualifying costs. For a start, MPA will set aside S$25 million from the Maritime Innovation and Technology (MINT) Fund for this programme. If response is good, MPA will set aside another S$25 million for this programme.
Mr. S.S. Teo, President of the Singapore Shipping Association was pleased with the Maritime Singapore Green Initiative. He said, "I am glad that the MPA has taken the initiative as a leading ship registry, to become the world's first maritime administration to launch a comprehensive pro-environment initiative for Singapore's maritime sector. The three Green Programmes will enhance shipping's environmental image, and raise the social awareness of Singapore's shipping community, as we take on an even more active role in further reducing greenhouse gas emission from shipping."
Maritime Singapore Green Pledge
To promote and support clean and green shipping, MPA also organised the inaugural Maritime Singapore Green Pledge signing ceremony during the Singapore International Maritime Awards. A total of 12 key organisations from across Maritime Singapore came together and pledged their commitment to promote and support clean and green shipping in Singapore. The 12 organisations were:
| 1. | BP Singapore Pte. Limited | 7. | Ocean Tankers (Pte) Ltd |
| 2. | Jurong Port Pte Ltd | 8. | Pacific International Lines (Pte) Ltd |
| 3. | Keppel Offshore & Marine | 9. | PSA Corporation Ltd |
| 4. | Maersk Line - Asia Pacific Region | 10. | Sembcorp Marine |
| 5. | Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore | 11. | Shell Marine Products |
| 6. | Neptune Orient Lines Limited | 12. | Singapore Shipping Association |
Please refer to Annex A for the signatories of the Maritime Singapore Green Pledge.
The pledge signing was witnessed by Mr Raymond Lim, Minister for Transport and Second Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mrs Lim Hwee Hua, Minister in the Prime Minister's Office and Second Minister for Finance and Transport, Mr Choi Shing Kwok, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Transport and Mr Lucien Wong, Chairman of MPA.
The 12 organisations pledged to be responsible members of the international maritime community by supporting and promoting clean and green shipping in Singapore. They also called upon the maritime community to join them in protecting and safeguarding the environment. Please refer to Annexes B - H for more information on some these organisations' green initiatives.
"Environmental challenges are some of the most critical challenges facing the maritime industry today. These challenges are multi-faceted and require joint efforts from governments and the industry. Through the Maritime Singapore Green Initiative, MPA will continue working in close partnership with the maritime community to address the environmental challenges facing shipping and port activities," said Mr Lam Yi Young, Chief Executive of MPA.
"As Singapore's home-grown shipping line, we welcome MPA's initiative to support our efforts in reducing our environmental footprint," said Mr Eng Aik Meng, President of APL, the NOL Group's liner business. "Green shipping is part of our company's DNA and signing the Maritime Singapore Green Pledge is a natural step for us. We hope more companies will join us and work together with the MPA to protect Singapore's environment."
End of Release.
The 12 organisations pledged to be responsible members of the international maritime community by supporting and promoting clean and green shipping in Singapore.
Above: Signatories with Ministers, Mr Choi Shing Kwok and Mr Lucien Wong.
About the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA)
The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) was established on 2 February 1996, with the mission to develop Singapore as a premier global hub port and international maritime centre (IMC), and to advance and safeguard Singapore's strategic maritime interests. MPA is the driving force behind Singapore's port and maritime development, taking on the roles of Port Authority, Port Regulator, Port Planner, IMC Champion, and National Maritime Representative. MPA partners the industry and other agencies to enhance safety, security and environmental protection in our port waters, facilitate port operations and growth, grow the cluster of maritime ancillary services, and promote maritime R&D and manpower development.