Speech by Mr Murali Pillai, Senior Minister for Law and Transport, at the Singapore Luncheon @ Posidonia

His Excellency Mr Simon Tay, Non-Resident Ambassador to Greece in Singapore,

Mr Hor Weng Yew, Chairman, Singapore Maritime Foundation,

Mr TS Teo, Chairman, Singapore Shipping Association,

Distinguished Guests,

Ladies and gentlemen,

1.          Good afternoon and welcome to the Singapore Luncheon @ Posidonia. 

2.          How fitting it is that we are today dining by the sea — our two nations are maritime creatures with the sea in our blood. Singapore traces our maritime history to the 14th century as Temasek, while the Greeks — well, the Greeks have been mariners since before history was written.

3.          Two things I have learnt from Greek mythologies and history — first, that all great voyages are a test of our fortitude and strength, and second, to return safely with great treasures, one must have the good fortune to find true friends and trusted companions.

4.          From Jason and his Argonauts to the good faith and hospitality encountered by Odysseus in his 10-year journey home — our fate and fortunes turn on our partners and friends.

5.          So today, it is a genuine privilege for Singapore to partner Greece, because of our shared history and bonds, particularly over the last two decades, and our continued and future commitment to shaping the global maritime ecosystem. Today, we gather to celebrate this partnership, and to chart a course forward together.

Challenging Times And The Relevance Of Shipping

6.          There are headwinds on the horizon ahead. Globally, the maritime industry is facing existential challenges.

7.          The global rules-based order that has underpinned international relations is fraying. The prolonged closure of the Strait of Hormuz has not only disrupted a shipping route but hindered global trade, spiked energy prices, and reminded us how fragile our interconnected world can be.

8.          This crisis underscores why maritime trade and key shipping routes matter. Shipping has been, and will always be, the great connector of the world. Amidst this uncertainty, maritime leaders like Singapore and Greece can be strong anchors that continue to uphold institutions and underwrite partnerships to keep our world connected.

9.          Both Singapore and Greece have reaffirmed the importance of safeguarding the navigational rights and freedoms enshrined in the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). These rights and freedoms are grounded in international law and are not a discretionary privilege that can be paid for or negotiated. Through international institutions such as the International Maritime Organisation and the United Nations, we have consistently called for navigational rights and freedoms of commercial vessels to be respected, and for the protection, safety and welfare of seafarers.

Navigating A Challenging World Together

10.        Greece and Singapore are in this journey together. Our common commitment to upholding the international rules-based maritime order forms the basis of our partnership. This is the foundation which enables businesses to thrive even amid uncertainty.

a.          More than 20 Greek maritime companies have chosen to establish their regional headquarters in Singapore, including Angelicoussis Shipping Group, Starbulk and Drylog.

b.          I have met several of leaders of these companies this week and look forward to continuing our conversations in the days ahead.

11.        Your confidence in Singapore as a trusted partner is something that we regard as a treasured asset. While the global outlook remains uncertain, what Singapore offers has not changed: clear and principled positions on geopolitical issues; a business-friendly environment; a skilled workforce; and transparent governance. Our tripartite partnership between government, industry, and unions also sets us apart.

Looking Ahead For Singapore

12.        Like all good seafarers, we are already preparing for our next voyage — the next decade and beyond. We are developing a Master Plan to chart our vision for Maritime Singapore in 2050.  We aim to remain a trusted partner for the decades ahead. I will share two of the Master Plan’s key thrusts:

a.          First, to further harness digitalisation and technology to build seamless connectivity across the maritime ecosystem. Vessels calling at the Port of Singapore will benefit from more efficient port operations, smoother flows of goods, and stronger ties with global ports.

b.          Second, to expand our multi-fuel bunkering capabilities and co-develop standards and infrastructure to meet the industry’s decarbonisation needs.

c.           We welcome Greece’s partnership on this journey. Our complementary strengths — Greece’s deep expertise in fleet management and Singapore’s position as a leading hub port — lay a strong foundation for deep collaboration, particularly in the decarbonisation and digital space.

Closing Toast

13.        Ladies and gentlemen, if there is anything that I’ve learnt from reading Greek myths, it is that Gods can be capricious and willful and unpredictable. Today, we too live in a world governed by caprice, chance, luck and storms.

14.        But I have also learnt that Man can prevail even against the Gods, if we find the resolve, strength and strong anchors in allies and friends across the world. For Greece and Singapore, anchored by our shared commitments and convictions, there is much we can do together, including in key areas such as digitalisation and decarbonisation.

15.        So, ladies and gentlemen, let us raise a glass — to old friends, to new adventures, and to the open seas that will always connect us.

16.        Thank you.