MPA-SSA Briefing Unites Harbour Craft Stakeholders To Meet Decarbonisation Goals

As Singapore accelerates its efforts toward achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, the maritime sector faces a pivotal moment of its energy transformation. Harbour craft decarbonisation is a top challenge in Singapore’s maritime sector. With high-cost barriers and lack of available technology, the maritime industry urgently needs further measures to make the necessary changes. In response to this, the Singapore Shipping Association (SSA) collaborated with the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) and hosted the Joint MPA-SSA Industry Briefing: Decarbonisation of Harbour Craft towards 2050, a session designed to foster dialogue between policymakers and industry stakeholders.

SSA President Mr. TS Teo opened the briefing, setting the stage for a focused exchange on regulatory updates, technological pathways, and workforce readiness.

Net-Zero Pathways for Harbour Craft

MPA touched on Singapore’s Decarbonisation Roadmap, outlining the regulatory mandates that will shape the future of harbour craft operations. From 2030 onwards, all new harbour crafts must meet one of three criteria: they must be

• fully electric,
• compatible with B100 biofuel,
• or net-zero fuels (NZFs) ready.

These mandates reflect Singapore’s long-term sustainability goals and its commitment to environmental stewardship for future generations.

However, the transition to low/zero-emission vessels is not without its challenges. Each pathway presents unique technical and financial hurdles. Electric harbour craft, while promising for long-term cost savings and emissions reduction, require substantial upfront investment and reliable charging infrastructure. Biofuels like B100 pose supply chain uncertainties and retrofitting complexities. Net Zero Fuels, though potentially transformative, raise concerns around safety standards and operational feasibility with existing infrastructure.

Support Mechanisms and Workforce Development

To support the industry, MPA is exploring grants to increase the demand for low/zero-emission harbour crafts in hopes to lower their costs. They also shared preliminary plans for charging infrastructure that will be built in tandem with the adoption of low/zero-emission harbour crafts.

Beyond technology and infrastructure, the human element of decarbonisation was also addressed. Workforce Singapore presented its Career Conversion Programme (CCP) for Sea Transport, which offers salary support for reskilling local talent in green vessel operations. Aloysius Ng, Senior Manager shared that digital competencies like IoT fleet management and predictive maintenance, as well as green and sustainable skills such as carbon accounting and battery systems management will increasingly be sought after by employers as the sector adopts new energy pathways. The CCP initiative underscores the importance of preparing the maritime workforce for the demands of a sustainable future.

Industry Feedback and Collaborative Action

The session featured open dialogue where members of the audience raised their concerns. Topics highlighted included readiness of existing technologies in the market, availability of financial support during the transition, the need for crew training, and inclusivity of policies for businesses of all sizes. MPA acknowledged these concerns and reaffirmed the audience that they are making a concerted effort to address them.

In closing, SSA’s Decarbonisation Committee Chair, Mr. Lee Keng Lin announced that MPA will form a decarbonisation taskforce to shape and co-develop policies and practical solutions with industry partners. The SSA is committed to support the efforts of this taskforce.

This briefing demonstrates that by creating the platform for open dialogue, the maritime industry will be able to move forward together. The goal is clear: to make Singapore a global leader in green shipping.

Mr. Brian Lim, Head of Marketing at Marina Shore, who attended the session shared:

“As a licensed tug service provider under the MPA, Marina Offshore is committed to supporting Singapore’s decarbonisation objectives. The industry briefing was a valuable opportunity for both the Authority and stakeholders to better understand each other’s perspectives. We believe this should mark the start of more open and constructive dialogue to help the entire sector move forward together. While the pathway to decarbonisation will inevitably come with costs, stronger collaboration among all stakeholders will enable Maritime Singapore to achieve its goals.”

To view photos from the event, please click here.