Singapore and Rotterdam Collaborate on Next-Gen Digital and Green Shipping Revolution

Singapore and Rotterdam Collaborate on Next-Gen Digital and Green Shipping Revolution

(IN BRIEF) The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore and the Port of Rotterdam have signed a Cooperation Agreement to further develop the Rotterdam-Singapore Green and Digital Shipping Corridor, which has been a major force in maritime decarbonisation and digitalisation since 2022. The partnership unites 28 industry partners to promote sustainable fuel use along a 15,000-kilometer route, aiming to cut greenhouse gas emissions from large container vessels by 20-30% by 2030. The collaboration includes initiatives to accelerate the adoption of bio- and e-variants of ammonia, methanol, and methane through pilot projects and working groups, alongside digital trials to enhance port operations and data exchange. With further studies, trials, and financial instruments planned to overcome cost barriers, the project continues to progress with strong support from both government and industry stakeholders, as emphasized during Singapore Maritime Week.

(PRESS RELEASE) ROTTERDAM, 25-Mar-2025 — /EuropaWire/ — The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) and the Port of Rotterdam have entered into a Cooperation Agreement to further advance the Rotterdam-Singapore Green and Digital Shipping Corridor—a project that has been instrumental in driving maritime decarbonisation and digitalisation since its launch in 2022. Under this agreement, the two ports have united 28 partners from across the container shipping industry to promote the use of sustainable fuels along a 15,000-kilometer route. Their collective objective is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from large container vessels by 20-30% by 2030, while also fast-tracking the adoption of global standards and digital solutions to optimize port calls, streamline the flow of goods, and facilitate paperless operations.

On the decarbonisation front, the collaboration is focusing on testing and accelerating the uptake of low- and zero-emission fuels. Efforts are concentrated on promoting bio- and e-variants of ammonia, methanol, and methane. Working groups for each fuel type have been established to support this initiative. Since the corridor’s inception, a number of pioneering pilot projects have been implemented, including the first successful bunkering of mass-balanced liquefied bio-methane at the Port of Rotterdam, with a similar trial scheduled in Singapore for 2025. Additional accomplishments include a comprehensive Life Cycle greenhouse gas Assessment of green ammonia as a marine fuel and strong support for the Port Readiness Framework developed by the International Association of Ports and Harbors (IAPH).

Looking ahead, the partners plan to conduct further studies and trials for the bunkering of bio-methane, methanol, and ammonia. They also intend to develop financial instruments aimed at overcoming the cost challenges associated with the adoption of low- and near-zero emission fuels.

On the digitalisation side, both ports have made significant strides by successfully trialling the exchange of port-to-port data, which involves sharing vessel arrival and departure timestamps. This initiative, aligned with digital efforts by the International Maritime Organization (IMO), is designed to improve vessel arrival planning and port operations between Singapore and Rotterdam. In addition, the establishment of a ship-to-shore data exchange infrastructure now allows for efficient and secure submission of port clearance information, reducing time and minimizing data entry errors through automation. The first phase of trials began in March 2025, with an upgraded solution scheduled for testing in the latter half of the year.

These collaborative efforts were highlighted during Singapore Maritime Week, where both government and industry stakeholders came together to further the goals of the Green and Digital Shipping Corridor. Mr Teo Eng Dih, Chief Executive of MPA, stated, “The continued progress through the Singapore-Rotterdam Green and Digital Shipping Corridor is a testament to the power of public-private collaboration, turning innovative decarbonisation and digitalisation ideas into practical solutions. We are eager to work with even more partners to drive meaningful change on one of the world’s busiest shipping routes.” Mr Boudewijn Siemons, CEO of the Port of Rotterdam, added, “By uniting diverse stakeholders across the entire value chain, the corridor has already taken significant steps towards reducing emissions and enhancing trade efficiency. Although our achievements are promising, we recognize that there is still much work to be done, and we look forward to continuing our joint efforts with MPA.”

Media contact:

Maaike Grevelink
Press Officer for CEO a.i. Boudewijn Siemons. Press Officer on themes of employment and security.
+31 0(6) 1830 3080

SOURCE: Port of Rotterdam