CMA CGM and MPA ink New Fuels and Digital MoU | Container news

French shipping giant CMA CGM Group and the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) have renewed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to strengthen Singapore’s position as a premier maritime hub.

Under the MoU, CMA CGM plans to expand its fleet and vessel tonnage, adding more vessels under the Singapore Registry of Ships, including four 23,000 TEU LNG vessels.

The aim is to reinforce Singapore’s position as a maritime hub for CMA CGM and to support the company’s goal of achieving net zero carbon by 2050.

CMA CGM Group has invested nearly $20bn to order LNG and methanol-powered ships and will have 153 ships capable of using low-carbon energies (biogas, biomethanol and synthetic fuels) in its fleet by 2029.

Meanwhile, CMA CGM will register and bunker alternative-fuel vessels under the Singapore flag and will also participate in bunkering trials.

MPA and CMA CGM will explore pilot trials, including the test bedding of an online registry for carbon accounting, and sharing best practices for zero and near-zero emission marine fuels.

Additionally, both parties will propose an implementation plan to trial and pilot standards for efficient and secure data exchange between ship and shore.

CMA CGM will also engage in cybersecurity initiatives with MPA to enhance digital security in maritime operations.

The company will also enhance its regional presence by expanding new intra-Asia shipping services, whilst the partnership will further develop local talent through leadership programmes, exchanges, internships, and scholarships.

Furthermore, CMA CGM will work with the Maritime Energy Training Facility (METF) to develop a seafarers’ training programme for operating alternative fuel vessels.

The collaboration aims to strengthen the maritime innovation ecosystem in Singapore by fostering close ties between CMA CGM Group’s entities, such as ZEBOX Group, and local innovation platforms like PIER71™.

Teo Eng Dih, chief executive of MPA, said, “This MoU marks a significant milestone of our collaboration with CMA CGM and also demonstrates CMA CGM’s significant support towards our shared vision to drive decarbonisation and digitalisation and support manpower development within the maritime sector.”

Rodolphe Saadé, chairman and CEO of the CMA CGM Group, added, “Together, we will drive forward innovative initiatives, particularly in the adoption of alternative fuels and digitalisation to enhance efficiency and performance.”