Extension and Enhancement to the Maritime Singapore Green Initiative
The Maritime Singapore Green Initiative (MSGI), launched by the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) in 2011, has received strong support from the maritime industry.
The Green Ship Programme (GSP), a voluntary programme under MSGI sees more than 50% of qualifying ships exceeded the current Energy Efficiency Design Index frame required by the International Maritime Organization (IMO).
The Green Port Programme (GPP), another voluntary scheme under MSGI targeting at ships calling at the Port of Singapore, has also achieved considerable success. More than 3,700 vessel calls have switched to marine fuel with sulphur content not exceeding 1%.
The Green Technology Programme (GTP) also saw more than 20 projects involving over 60 vessels. The encouraging results have prompted MPA to extend the MSGI to 31 December 2019.
From 1st July this year, GSP incentives will be extended to ships using Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) as part of Singapore’s longer term efforts to encourage LNG as a sustainable alternative fuel source.
In addition, the sulphur oxides limit under the GPP will be reduced further to 0.5% for ships calling at our port to enjoy a flat rate of 25% concession in port dues for the use of low sulphur fuel during their entire port stay. Similar concession is also extended to ships using LNG in the Port of Singapore.
Apart from enhancing the MSGI programmes, MPA is also introducing two new programmes under the MSGI – The Green Awareness Programme (GAP) and The Green Energy Programme (GEP). GAP focuses on creating awareness on possible avenues towards sustainable shipping.
Other than the Maritime Singapore Green Pledge and regular sustainability workshops and forums, MPA will also be awarding the first SEC-MPA Singapore Environmental Achievement Award (Maritime) this year. The award serves to recognise maritime companies that are at the forefront of sustainability efforts.
In addition, to assist companies in preparation for Sustainability/Integrated (S/I) reporting, MPA is co-funding the consultancy fees paid by listed shipping companies who wish to produce their S/I Reports ahead of the mandatory requirement in 2018.
GEP aims to promote adoption of alternate or cleaner marine fuels as well as wider adoption of energy efficient operational measures, in anticipation of developments on the global sulphur emissions cap.
These efforts would come through support in asset and infrastructural development, as well as provision of various platforms for the industry to gain knowledge on these alternate fuels. To date S$12 million has been committed towards the LNG pilot programme.
Andrew Tan, Chief Executive of MPA said, “The extension of the MSGI Programme is a strong demonstration of our commitment towards an environmentally friendly and sustainable global hub port. We hope that the enhancement to the MSGI will incentivise the maritime industry to continue with their efforts to provide safe, efficient and sustainable shipping, notwithstanding the challenging economic environment. MPA will ensure that the MSGI remains relevant and supports the move towards a more Sustainable Singapore and global maritime community.”
