Opening Remarks by Mr Murali Pillai, Senior Minister of State for Transport and Law, at Singapore Nite at Nor-Shipping 2025

His Excellency Leif Trana, Ambassador of Norway to Singapore,

Mr Otto Tidemand, Honorary Consul-General of Singapore in Oslo,

Mr Hor Weng Yew, Chairman, Singapore Maritime Foundation,

Distinguished guests,

Ladies and gentlemen,

1.     Good evening. It is a pleasure to join you today for Singapore Nite @ Nor-Shipping.

Bilateral Relationship between Singapore and Norway

2.     Singapore and Norway share a strong and close partnership as maritime nations. This partnership spans the government, research, and private sector. It stretches across the long years of history, the miles between us, and allows both countries to continue to be competitive and to prosper in the middle of the remaking of the world order that we see today. We do so in the best traditions of friendship between states – by mutual respect, regular engagements between our officials and an unceasing nurturing of joint interests. In the maritime domain, we do this by exchanging knowledge, sharing best practices and building up our capabilities.

3.     In 2000, the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) and the Research Council of Norway (RCN) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on maritime research and development (R&D), education and training. 

a.     Since then, we have regularly renewed the MOU, and deepened collaboration in areas such as green and smart shipping, maritime safety, digitalisation, and marine and offshore engineering. 

b.     We have also organised the International Maritime and Port Technology and Development Conference to facilitate the exchange of knowledge on maritime technology, as well as supported several R&D projects and maritime courses in green shipping and ship design.

4.     At Nor-Shipping in 2023, we signed a new MOU on Maritime Transport with the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Fisheries of Norway, committing ourselves to advancing an efficient, safe, and sustainable maritime industry. 

Beyond The State: Partnership with Norwegian Companies

5.     Beyond political partnerships, our relationship is built on enduring ties with companies, which have withstood the toughest of market test. Today in Singapore, there is a strong Norwegian maritime presence. Norwegian companies such as the Wilhelmsen Group, the Fredriksen Group, Klaveness, OSM Thome, and Gard have expanded their operations and contributed to our vibrant international maritime centre. 

6.     This choice is made, not by the mandate of any government, nor the result of any warm fuzzy feelings, no matter how old our friendship. Such decisions are the result of practical men in the private sector, looking at hard economic considerations. Singapore has worked assiduously and made the strongest efforts to offer the highest value. We hope to continue to be your trusted gateway for growth in Asia.

7.     Singaporean companies have also been collaborating with Norwegian companies. For example, Yinson GreenTech, a Singapore-based company specialising in green technologies, has partnered with Norwegian maritime tech firm Zeabuz to incorporate autonomous functions into fully electric vessels for testing in the port of Singapore. 

8.     When I visited the Singapore Pavilion yesterday, I was delighted to see Singaporean companies such as Seatrium and Kuok Maritime showcasing their innovative services, solutions and capabilities. 

9.     I hope that both our private sectors will continue to deepen their partnerships in maritime technology and innovation.

Opportunities for Continued Collaboration

10.    As the maritime industry undergoes transformation, there are many opportunities for continued collaboration, in both the public and private sectors, as well as where private and public interests meet.

11.    As vessels become equipped with more digital applications, we must prepare for more cyberattacks and advance the development of maritime cybersecurity solutions. The Singapore University of Technology and Design and its partners have commissioned the Maritime Testbed of Shipboard Operational Technology system, or MariOT for short, in March this year. We welcome companies from Singapore, Norway and around the world to tap on this realistic testing environment to design and validate new cybersecurity technologies, before deploying them onboard vessels.

12.    We also welcome more Norwegian companies to participate in initiatives such as the MPA-Global Internship Award, which allows students to gain exposure at international maritime companies, and the Maritime Energy Training Facility, which trains maritime personnel to handle alternative fuels safely.

Conclusion

13.    Singapore and Norway have a strong track record of successful collaboration. I am confident that the strong bonds we have forged over the years at the Government, business and people levels will enable our countries to ride the waves of maritime transformation. As the market powers forward with new ideas for trade and innovation, as our countries continue to grow in friendship and strength, we will continue to meet new challenges amidst changing geopolitical realities. 

14.    Singapore and Norway share a common thread in our histories: both countries faced periods of significant hardship – conflicts, economic challenges, and uncertainty – yet we remained resilient to overcome adversity and emerge stronger. These experiences have etched in our minds an unwavering resolve to secure a stable and united future. I am confident that we will continue to thrive even amidst volatility and our partnership will flourish in the years to come.

15.    Thank you, and I wish all of you an enjoyable evening.