The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore, Port of Los Angeles, and Port of Long Beach collaborate to establish a green and digital shipping corridor, marking a significant step towards decarbonization and efficiency in the maritime industry
Dubai, United Arab Emirates – December 6, 2023: At the 28th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28/CMP18/CMA51), the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA), Port of Los Angeles (POLA), and Port of Long Beach (POLB) announced their Partnership Strategy for a green and digital shipping corridor (GDSC) across the Pacific Ocean.
The Partnership Strategy, unveiled during Singapore Maritime Week in April 2023 following the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU), formalizes the collaboration supported by C40 Cities. This strategic partnership aims to establish a GDSC connecting the three global hub ports.
The initiative focuses on accelerating the decarbonization of the maritime shipping industry, aligning with the 2023 International Maritime Organization’s Strategy on Reduction of GHG Emissions from Ships. GDSC partners, including MPA, POLA, and POLB, along with C40 Cities, will catalyze efforts to enable ships calling at the three ports to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions.
Key components of the GDSC Strategy include coordinating decarbonization efforts, establishing consensus on green shipping best practices, improving access to and adoption of technology, and leveraging networks involved in other green shipping initiatives.
A partnership structure and governance mechanism have been developed to clarify roles and responsibilities, with processes outlined for onboarding new participants, financial management, confidentiality, and decision-making.
Next steps involve a commissioned study to analyze trade flows and vessel traffic between Singapore, Los Angeles, and Long Beach. The study will estimate the quantity of near-zero and zero-emission fuels required, guiding the implementation of GDSC by identifying collaboration opportunities.
Founding partners plan to engage stakeholders across the shipping and fuel supply value chains, intending to onboard new corridor participants in 2024.
Mr. Teo Eng Dih, Chief Executive of MPA, expressed excitement about the partnership’s growth and the evaluation of digital solutions and zero and near-zero fuels options.
Port of Los Angeles Executive Director Gene Seroka emphasized the importance of collaboration, stating, “This Partnership Strategy document is the foundation upon which we’ll build the future of maritime shipping.”
Port of Long Beach CEO Mario Cordero highlighted the global impact of the trans-Pacific green shipping corridor, emphasizing that strategies developed can serve as a roadmap for a larger network of seaports and supply chain companies to decarbonize international trade.
C40 Executive Director Mark Watts expressed pride in supporting the port partners, stating, “C40 is delighted to help, bringing our network of world-leading cities, which include most of the world’s largest and most forward-looking ports.”
Source – MPS, The Port of Los Angeles, Port of Long Beach, C40 Cities
