Singapore’s MPA enhances and extends maritime green initiatives

Launched in 2011, the MSGI encompasses various schemes such as Green Ship Programme (GSP), Green Port Programme (GPP), and Green Technology Programme (GTP).

Two new programmes – The Green Awareness Programme (GAP) and The Green Energy Programme (GEP) – have been introduced under the MSGI to further enhance the intiative, the MPA announced on Thursday.

The GAP focuses on creating awareness on possible avenues towards sustainable shipping. The 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.

“The extension of the MSGI Programme is a strong demonstration of our commitment towards an environmentally friendly and sustainable global hub port,” said Andrew Tan, chief executive of MPA.

In addition, MPA said that from 1 July this year, the GSP incentives will be extended to ships using LNG as part of Singapore’s long term efforts to encourage LNG as a sustainable alternative fuel source.

MPA updated that the GSP has seen more than 50% of qualifying ships exceeded the current Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI) frame required by IMO.

Furthermore, the sulphur oxides limit under the GPP will be reduced further to 0.5% for ships calling at Singapore 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.

The GPP has led to more than 3,700 vessel calls switching to marine fuel with sulphur content not exceeding 1%.

The 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.

“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,” Tan commented.