Singapore and France Signed an Enhanced Maritime Partnership Agreement
Posted on Jun 07, 2025 at 08:06 AM
Singapore and France have partnered on maritime decarbonisation, digitalisation, cybersecurity, innovation, and training through the signing of an Enhanced Maritime Partnership Agreement.
As part of President Emmanuel Macron's state visit to Singapore, French Transport Minister Philippe Tabarot and Singapore's Acting Transport Minister and Senior Minister of State for Finance Jeffrey Siow signed the agreement.
The New Agreement's Objectives
The principal organisations behind this agreement are the Directorate General for Maritime Affairs, Fisheries, and Aquaculture (DGAMPA) of France and the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA).
Moreover, it expands on their previous maritime partnership, which was established in 2021, and seeks to improve cooperation between the two nations, which are both renowned as major international maritime hubs.
Notably, several important areas are the focus of the new partnership. These include collaborative initiatives in cybersecurity, maritime safety, innovation, training, green shipping, and port digitisation. A common dedication to identifying innovative, safe, and sustainable solutions for the maritime industry is also highlighted in the agreement.
Both parties will collaborate closely with industry participants to conduct pilot projects that target the focus areas as part of the partnership. Developing a biome-thane supply chain and establishing a certification framework are two of the primary objectives in the field of maritime decarbonisation.
By following the International Maritime Organisation's and the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change's accounting regulations, this framework will guarantee that the fuel satisfies global sustainability standards.
Under this partnership, Singapore will also carry out its first bio-methane bunkering trial. Utilising the certification framework created as part of this initiative, the trial will be conducted with the French shipping company CMA CGM.
Inspiring Innovation and Entrepreneurship
The Port of Marseille-Fos and HAROPA PORT will work together with MPA to optimise port calls and improve digital systems in maritime operations.
Using internationally accepted digital standards, this involves testing ship-to-shore data exchange systems with CMA CGM to automate port clearance procedures, decrease the need for manual paperwork, and increase the speed and accuracy of operational data.
Additionally, the collaboration seeks to encourage entrepreneurship and innovation in the maritime sector. Participation in open innovation platforms like the PIER71TM Smart Port Challenge, ZEBOX, and Landing Pad will be encouraged by both nations for maritime businesses, investors, and startups.
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Furthermore, MPA's CEO, Mr. Teo Eng Dih, called the collaboration a significant step towards deepening Singapore-France maritime relations. The partnership will aid in the development of workable solutions to promote a more environmentally friendly and interconnected maritime future, he said.
Eventually, the agreement demonstrates the two nations' shared commitment to developing innovative, safe, and sustainable maritime systems, according to Mr. Eric Banel, Director General of DGAMPA.
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