MPA, Bureau Veritas renew partnership on digital, green tech

The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) and Bureau Veritas (BV) renewed their Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to deepen collaboration in maritime digitalisation, decarbonisation, and talent development.

The MoU was signed by MPA Chief Executive, Teo Eng Dih, and BV Group CEO, Hinda Gharbi. This renewal has been built on the collaboration since 2022.

As part of the renewed MoU, MPA and BV will explore the establishment of a BV global innovation hub in Singapore. The hub will focus on research and application of emerging technologies with multi-industry impact.

These include cybersecurity standards and guidelines, and the design and integration of new battery technologies and fuel cell systems.

Both parties will also work together on innovative digital and decarbonisation solutions. These include smart ship systems, AI technologies to enhance vessel inspection, and the use of robotics for in-water applications.

Additionally, MPA and BV will promote the adoption of zero and near-zero GHG emission fuels, electrification and wind-assisted propulsion. These initiatives aim to strengthen Singapore’s MarineTech ecosystem.

Teo Eng Dih, Chief Executive, MPA, said: “Singapore has a strong innovation ecosystem that brings together researchers, start-up entrepreneurs and tech companies to collaborate with class societies such as BV to deploy AI, autonomy, and cybersecurity.”

Hinda Gharbi, Group CEO of BV, said: “By combining MPA’s leadership in maritime innovation with Bureau Veritas’s extensive global experience and technical expertise, we aim to contribute to the advancement of sustainable and resilient solutions.”

Last month, the Council and European Parliament reached a provisional political agreement to sharpen and expand the mandate of the European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA), strengthening its role in ensuring maritime safety and sustainability.

Additionally, the European SEANERGY project, which concluded in March, left behind two new tools aimed at helping ports advance their energy transition efforts—a master plan for decarbonisation strategies and a catalogue of emerging technologies.