Written Reply to Parliamentary Question on Ships Arriving at Singapore Ports Operating on Zero Emissions and Uptake of Training at Maritime Energy Training Facility

Mr Desmond Choo asked the Minister for Transport in light of our ports registering a new record of arriving ship traffic in 2024 

a.     what percentage of ships arriving at Singapore’s ports operate on zero or near-zero emissions; 

b.     how will the Ministry increase the uptake of training at the Maritime Energy Training Facility; and 

c.     whether there is a need to step up current efforts to achieve net zero greenhouse gas emissions in the maritime sector by or around 2050.

Reply by Minister for Transport Chee Hong Tat:

1.     Many ocean-going vessels have the capability to use dual fuels. There are a few marine engines operating on zero or near-zero emission fuels available, with more models under development. In 2024, 53 ocean-going vessels capable of operating on zero or near-zero emission fuels called at the Port of Singapore.

2.     The Maritime Energy Training Facility (METF) initiative is on track to train around 10,000 maritime personnel by the 2030s. Over 400 have been trained in 2024, and more will be trained in 2025 and subsequent years as METF ramps up its capacity. The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) has onboarded shipping lines and ship management companies as METF partners. MPA will also continue to work with METF partners to design courses, and collaborate with like-minded partners at the International

Maritime Organization to ensure that METF programmes help to set standards and support the growth of the global maritime sector.

3.     In addition to providing digital and fuel-related training for maritime workers through the METF, MPA facilitates the safe bunkering of new fuels by supporting trials and developing technical standards. MPA remains committed to working closely with the international shipping community to advance maritime digital, decarbonisation and manpower development efforts.