Transcript of Video Message by Mr Murali Pillai, Senior Minister of State for Law and Transport, at the Singapore-Norway Innovation Conference 2025

His Excellency Leif Trana, Ambassador of Norway to Singapore, 

Distinguished Guests, 

Ladies and Gentlemen,  

1.     Good morning. I am happy to join you virtually at this year’s Singapore-Norway Innovation Conference. 

2.     Singapore and Norway have enjoyed decades of close cooperation in the maritime sector. Just earlier this year, I had the pleasure of attending NorShipping in Oslo, where I met Ms Marianne Sivertsen Næs, Minister of Fisheries and Ocean Policy with Ambassador Leif. We had a meaningful conversation on the close cooperation shared between Singapore and Norway, both bilaterally and at multilateral forums such as the International Maritime Organization, and on manpower development in the maritime industry. I also met Mr Even Sagebakken, Deputy Minister of Fisheries and Ocean Policy, first when he attended the Singapore Maritime Week earlier this year, and again briefly at NorShipping and the Singapore @ NorShipping Seminar. We had good discussions on mutual topics of interest and areas for further collaboration, such as advancing maritime decarbonisation and innovation.   

3.     During my trip to Oslo, I discovered that what united us goes beyond our close ties and extends to our similar taste buds. In Oslo, I dined at an Indian restaurant which had fiery hot dishes and was packed with Norwegians enjoying every bite. It reminded me that just as we both appreciate a little spice, our two countries also share a warmth in our friendship that makes every meeting a pleasure.  

4.     Since the signing of the Singapore-Norway Memorandum of Understanding in 2000, our partnership in maritime research and development has flourished through various joint initiatives and innovative projects over the last 25 years.  

5.     We have also seen a growing number of Norwegian maritime technology companies operating in Singapore, just as Singaporean companies are expanding their presence in Norway. In fact, DNV recently hosted its annual board meeting here in Singapore for the first time, and I had the opportunity to attend a dinner with the board and other guests. We reflected on the longstanding partnership between the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore and DNV – a partnership that is a testament to the strong and trusted relationship between Singapore and Norway. Together, we are advancing cutting-edge innovations in areas like autonomy and sustainability. This will help to ensure that our maritime sectors remain competitive and future ready.  

6.     Our close relationship spans the public and private sectors. MPA and DNV first signed a MOU in 2010 to drive research, innovation and test-bedding projects with maritime industry and research institutes in Singapore. Since then, DNV has played a key role in the world’s first successful use of ammonia as a marine fuel onboard the dual-fuelled vessel, the Fortescue Green Pioneer, in the Port of Singapore. Following the rollout of MPA’s digital bunkering initiative in November 2023, DNV has also, through its subsidiary FuelBoss, provided digital platform solutions for our maritime industry. 

7.     I am pleased to announce that this MOU between MPA and DNV would be renewed today. This will strengthen our collaboration in critical areas such as decarbonisation, digitalisation and talent development – all essential to building a sustainable maritime future. 

8.     Norway and Singapore represent two of the most advanced maritime clusters in the world and share many common interests. I look forward to many more years of fruitful collaboration between our nations, and I wish you all a productive and fruitful conference ahead. Thank you.