The CMA CGM Group, a global player in sea, land, air and logistics solutions; and the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA), on 22 June inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to initiate a collaboration on the development of capabilities and solutions across maritime decarbonisation, digitalisation and innovation. The MOU also seeks to prime for a future-ready maritime workforce through training and skills development.
The MOU was signed by Mr Rodolphe Saadé, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the CMA CGM Group, and Ms Quah Ley Hoon, Chief Executive, MPA.
To accelerate maritime decarbonisation, the two parties will explore the use of zero and low-carbon marine fuels such as e-methanol, e-methane and biofuels for commercial shipping. Research on technologies such as carbon capture solutions is another objective of the MOU.
As CMA CGM advances to be a net zero carbon company by 2050, and diversifies its energy mix, the Group recently ordered another 10 dual fuel LNG-powered vessels and 6 dual fuel methanol-powered vessels. Three of these LNG vessels, which will also be e-methane ready, will be registered under the Singapore flag. Such efforts to position the Singapore Registry of Ships for a low-carbon future reaffirm Singapore’s commitment towards decarbonization of the maritime industry.
The CMA CGM Group’s e-methane ready fleet currently counts 29 vessels in service and will have a total of 77 by 2026.
Digitalising and innovating the maritime ecosystem
Various collaboration opportunities would be explored under the MOU for greater digitalisation. These include maritime cybersecurity and just-in-time shipping, achieved through secure and seamless data exchanges for port and cargo documentation and reporting. The MOU would also see the two parties work together on innovations such as shipboard automation for more safety, efficiency and smarter solutions onboard vessels. CMA CGM and MPA will also explore establishing and investing in Singapore-based incubators and accelerators to grow Singapore-based marinetech start-ups.
The CMA CGM Group is committed to developing BETTER WAYS for a renewed shipping and logistics offering that adapts constantly to customers’ needs. In this regard, the Group accelerates shipping and logistics digitalisation by investing in R&D as well as in IoT, artificial intelligence and blockchain solutions, to develop smarter and more secure service offerings, while delivering a smoother user experience for both customers and employees. ZEBOX, the startup incubator and accelerator founded in 2018 by Rodolphe Saadé, participates in this strategy by supporting startups focusing on transport, logistics and mobility, and industry 4.0.
Transforming the maritime workforce to be future-ready and build the sustainable transport and logistics of tomorrow
Globally, the CMA CGM Group has 150,000 employees, including some 880 maritime staff in Singapore, a strategic International Maritime Hub, home to the Group’s Asia- Pacific regional office, ship management entity and fleet center.
Priming a future-ready maritime workforce is key to meet the major challenges ahead and navigate the maritime transformation arising from decarbonisation and digitalisation. Under the MOU, CMA CGM will strengthen existing collaborations with MPA in attracting talent through maritime scholarships such as the Tripartite Maritime Scholarship. The CMA CGM Group and MPA will cooperate on new industry-wide initiatives to attract and empower the Singapore-based maritime workforce, tapping on the MPA Maritime Cluster Fund.
Mr Rodolphe Saadé, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the CMA CGM Group said, “Decarbonization, digitalization, and innovation are strategic priorities for CMA CGM and the entire shipping industry. Given Singapore’s key position in our global network, I am very pleased to sign this partnership with the Maritime and Port Authority. It will allow us to address the challenges ahead and strengthen our existing strong ties with Singapore, its industries and its digital ecosystem, while reflecting our attachment to this country”.
Ms Quah Ley Hoon, Chief Executive, Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore said, “We are happy to work with a like-minded partner like CMA CGM who shares our bold ambitions to make international shipping more sustainable and resilient, and who which also believes in taking pragmatic and concrete steps towards these aspirations. I am confident that this collaboration will contribute meaningful solutions to the industry’s needs, strengthen the local marinetech ecosystem, and also build the maritime workforce capability in Singapore”.
