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India, Singapore sign LOI on Green Shipping

By TIOL News Service

NEW DELHI, MAR 26, 2025: THE Union Minister of Ports, Shipping &  Waterways (MoPSW), Sarbananda Sonowal attended the signing  ceremony of Letter of Intent (LOI) between India and Singapore on  maritime digitalisation (Digital Corridor Collaboration) and  Decarbonisation (Green Shipping) here yesterday. Sonowal was joined by  Dr Amy Khor, Senior Minister of State, Ministry of Sustainability and  the Enviornment and Ministry of Transport, Singapore. The LOI was  inked by R Lakshmanan, Joint Secretary, MoPSW, and Teo Eng Dih,  Chief Executive of the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore.

Under the LOI, both sides will collaborate on maritime digitalisation  and decarbonisation projects, including identifying relevant  stakeholders who could contribute to the effort, and work towards  formalising the partnership through a memorandum of understanding  on a Singapore-India Green and Digital Shipping Corridor (GDSC).

India is a leading player in information technology with the potential  to become a major producer and exporter of green marine fuels.

Singapore, as a key transshipment and bunkering hub, also supports a  dynamic research and innovation ecosystem. The Singapore-India  GDSC, when established, will enhance collaboration from both  countries and help accelerate the development and uptake of zero or  near-zero GHG emission technologies and the adoption of digital  solutions. 

Speaking on the occasion, the Union Minister, Sarbananda Sonowal  said, "The signing of this landmark LOI marks the bilateral collaboration as a significant step towards modernising maritime  operations and advancing green shipping efforts. The Singapore-India Green and Digital Shipping Corridor will drive innovation, accelerate  the adoption of low-emission technologies, and strengthen digital  integration in the sector, allowing us to move India towards realising  the vision of PM Narendra Modiji's 'Viksit Bharat'. With India's  strength in Information Technology and green fuel production, along  with Singapore's role as a global maritime hub, this partnership will  set new benchmarks in sustainability and efficiency in the maritime  sector. We look forward to work closely to build a resilient, future ready maritime ecosystem that benefits both nations and the global  maritime industry."

Seeking the Global Dutch Expertise for revamping India's waterways  rivers like Barak and Brahmaputra, Sarbananda Sonowal said, "With  their rich experience and global expertise in dredging, river  engineering, we can enable our diverse and rich riverine system with  effective dredging techniques, modern inland vessel technology &  water management. The Netherlands' expertise in shallow-draft push  barges, modular inland vessels, & LNG-powered river transport  presents a valuable opportunity for India. We are keen to adapt these  technologies to enhance cargo movement in low-draft rivers like the  Brahmaputra & Barak, making inland waterways more efficient,  sustainable, & economically viable. We see great potential for Dutch  collaboration in India's major projects like the Jal Marg Vikas Project  (JMVP) and Brahmaputra River dredging. This will help us realise the  vision of PM Narendra Modi ji to empower the Northeast as the New  Engine of Growth for an Atmanirbhar Bharat charting its course on  becoming a Viksit country." 

The Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal also inaugurated the 'India  Pavilion' along with Dr Amy Khor, Senior Minister of Singapore.

Sonowal also inaugurated the IRClass Pavilion at the ongoing  Singapore Maritime Week (SMW).  Speaking at the India Business Roundtable, the Union Minister,  Sarbananda Sonowal said, "India is rapidly emerging as a global  maritime hub, driven by sustainability, digital innovation, and strategic  partnerships. Under the visionary leadership of PM Narendra Modi ji,  we are transforming ports into clean energy-driven investment hubs,  fostering shipbuilding excellence, and decarbonising shipping. With  bold reforms, resilient supply chains, and global collaborations like  the India-Singapore Green and Digital Shipping Corridor, we invite  the world to partner with us in shaping a sustainable and future-ready  maritime economy."

During the day, the Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal also visited  Singapore Cruise Centre to understand the infrastructure and facilities  that has helped Singapore to become a thriving cruise tourism  destination. India aims to replicate such terminals in key locations  like Goa, Mumbai and Chennai to provide a fillip to the cruise  tourism. Sonowal also met with key officials of Singapore Chamber of  Maritime Arbitration (SCMA) as well as top industry captains from  maritime sector of the Netherlands.


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