Strengthening Singapore’s Position as a Premier Maritime Hub
The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) and the CMA CGM Group have renewed their Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to advance sustainable shipping and digital innovation. This agreement builds on an earlier MoU signed in 2022 and reaffirms their commitment to decarbonisation, digitalisation, and workforce development in Singapore’s maritime sector.
The MoU was officially signed by Mr Teo Eng Dih, Chief Executive of MPA, and Mr Rodolphe Saadé, Chairman and CEO of the CMA CGM Group.
As part of the agreement, CMA CGM plans to expand its fleet under the Singapore Registry of Ships, including registering four 23,000 TEU LNG-powered vessels. This initiative strengthens Singapore’s role as a key maritime hub and aligns with CMA CGM’s goal of achieving Net Zero Carbon by 2050.
To support the transition to sustainable fuels, CMA CGM will register and bunker alternative-fuel vessels under the Singapore flag and participate in bunkering trials. In early March 2025, CMA CGM Iron, the company’s first of 12 dual-fuel methanol vessels, made its maiden call in Singapore, marking an important step towards adopting low-carbon fuels such as biogas, biomethanol, and synthetic fuels. By 2029, the company aims to operate 153 ships capable of running on these sustainable fuels, following a USD 20 billion investment in LNG- and methanol-powered ships.
MPA and CMA CGM will also explore pilot trials, including testing an online carbon accounting registry and developing best practices for zero and near-zero emission marine fuels.
Additionally, both parties will work on enhancing maritime digitalisation by proposing an implementation plan to trial secure and efficient data exchange between ship and shore. CMA CGM will also collaborate with MPA on cybersecurity initiatives, strengthening digital security in maritime operations.
The renewed partnership aims to deepen Singapore’s maritime innovation ecosystem. CMA CGM will work closely with ZEBOX Group, its global startup accelerator, and local innovation platforms like PIER71™, to drive new ideas in sustainable shipping and digital solutions.
The company also plans to expand its intra-Asia shipping services and leverage Singapore as a regional transshipment hub, reinforcing the country’s role as a key logistics and maritime centre in Asia.
A key aspect of the MoU is the development of local maritime talent. CMA CGM will collaborate with the Maritime Energy Training Facility (METF) to create specialised training programmes for seafarers, equipping them with skills to operate alternative-fuel vessels. The METF, announced in 2024, focuses on preparing the workforce to handle new fuels like ammonia and methanol, ensuring industry readiness for future energy transitions.
Additionally, CMA CGM will offer leadership programmes, exchanges, internships, and scholarships to develop Singapore’s next generation of maritime professionals.
Commenting on the MoU, Mr Teo Eng Dih, Chief Executive of MPA, said:
“This MoU marks a significant milestone in our collaboration with CMA CGM and demonstrates their strong support for our shared vision to drive decarbonisation, digitalisation, and manpower development within the maritime sector. By leveraging our collective expertise and resources, we aim to create a more sustainable and innovative maritime ecosystem.”
Mr Rodolphe Saadé, Chairman and CEO of CMA CGM Group, added:
“I am pleased to renew our partnership with MPA, strengthening Singapore’s position as a key maritime hub for CMA CGM. Together, we will drive forward innovative initiatives, particularly in the adoption of alternative fuels and digitalisation to enhance efficiency and performance. This collaboration reflects our commitment to leveraging top expertise to build a more resilient and sustainable global trade.”
The renewed MoU marks a significant step in reinforcing Singapore’s status as a leading maritime hub, paving the way for a greener, more digitalised, and future-ready maritime industry.
Source – MPA
