Singapore's 2020 maritime performance resilient despite global COVID-19 hurdles from freeamfva's blog
The Port of Singapore has performed well despite the challenges posed by the global coronavirus pandemic, and is on track to achieve its targets around maritime decarbonization while also promoting digitalization and enhancing inter-modal connectivity, Chee Hong Tat, Senior Minister of State, Ministry of Transport and Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said Jan. 13.Get more news about Singpaore Shipping,you can vist our website! The port's strong performance comes as the international shipping market deals with numerous challenges due to the pandemic, with bunker demand worldwide slowing and trade hindered as restrictions on movements, weak macroeconomics and trade tensions persist.
"After a steep decline in early 2020 when COVID-19 first struck, international sea trade volumes have shown signs of recovery from the second half of last year," Chee said in his opening speech at the Singapore Maritime Foundation's New Year Conversations 2021 on Jan. 13. Singapore has also witnessed many maritime companies expand their presence in the city-state as it remained a trusted hub during tough times, Chee said.
Yang Ming chose Singapore as the regional base for its container shipping business to provide liner services across Asia, Middle East, North Europe and the Mediterranean. Swire Bulk, previously the dry bulk shipping division of China Navigation, has established its new headquarters in Singapore, while Wilhelmsen Ships Services has embarked on a joint venture with German engineering conglomerate thyssenkrupp to manufacture 3D printed maritime spare parts in Singapore. The city-state has been developing LNG bunkering capabilities under the LNG bunkering pilot program. It has also partnered port administrations to establish a global network of LNG bunker-ready ports, co-funded the construction of LNG-fueled vessels, and continues to promote LNG as a cleaner, interim fuel.
Keppel Offshore and Marine delivered Singapore's first LNG bunkering vessel, FueLNG Bellina, on Jan. 4. With this, the Port of Singapore is now ready to support ship-to-ship LNG bunkering in its waters.
The MPA is also evaluating proposals to award up to two additional LNG bunker supplier licenses, Chee said.
"But there is scope to do more beyond LNG, such as in the areas of setting new standards and developing green solutions associated with zero or low carbon fuels," Chee said.
Through the S$40 million ($30.1 million) Maritime Green Future Fund, the MPA is working with the industry and academia to develop technologies and pilot the use of alternative marine fuels such as methanol and biofuels, and electric vessels, he said.
The Wall