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.
“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.
TeoEngDih, 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.”