Ports of Southampton and Singapore explore green transport cooperation

Associated British Ports (ABP) welcomed a delegation from the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) last weekend to the Port of Southampton.

Together they discussed various areas of potential cooperation regarding sustainable maritime transport within the UK-Singapore Green Economy Framework (UKSGEF).

Both sides agreed that cooperation between key like-minded stakeholders across the maritime and port ecosystems of the UK and Singapore would be important to support the decarbonisation, digitalisation and growth of the maritime industry.

It’s hoped the meeting will pave the way for further discussions between Singapore and Southampton.

Mr Alastair Welch, regional director for Southampton at ABP, said: “It was great to welcome chief executive Teo Eng Dih and his colleagues to the Port of Southampton, the UK’s number one port for deep sea trade.

“We’re committed to driving progress in sustainability, as evidenced by our leading position as the UK’s first significant shore power provider.

“Partnership between ports and with governments will be key in driving real change, and today’s discussions between ourselves and MPA set a great foundation for sustainable maritime trade between our two ports.”

Friday’s meeting came as part of a series of events attended by the Singaporean delegation in Southampton, including meetings with the University of Southampton, the UK Hydrographic Office and the Maritime and Coastguard Agency.

Mr Teo Eng Dih, MPA chief executive, added: “We thank ABP for its hospitality. There’s a strong base of collaboration between the UK and Singapore in maritime.

“Today’s discussion between the Port of Southampton, UK stakeholders and MPA was a good opportunity for us to address common challenges, learn from each other and exchange views on maritime decarbonisation and digitalisation.

“I look forward to a strong partnership in developing cost-effective solutions for the international shipping community.”

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