Singapore and India sign LoI to cooperate on maritime digitalisation and decarbonisation
Sonowal participates in Singapore Maritime Week
Singapore and India have signed a Letter of Intent (LoI) to cooperate on maritime digitalisation and decarbonisation. It was inked by Mr Teo Eng Dih, Chief Executive of the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore, and Mr R. Lakshmanan, Joint Secretary of the Union Ministry of Ports. Shipping and Waterways (MOPSW), in the presence of Dri Amy Khor, Senior Minister of State, Ministry of Sustainability and the Environment and Ministry of Transport Singapore, and Mr Sarbananda Sonowal, Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways.
Under the Lol, both sides will collaborate on maritime digitalisation and decarbonisation projects, including identifying relevant stakeholders who could contribute to the effort, and work towards formalising the partnership through a memorandum of understanding on a Singapore-India Green and Digital Shipping Corridor (GDSC).
India is a leading player in information technology with the potential to become a major producer and exporter of green marine fuels. Singapore, as a key transhipment and bunkering hub, also supports a dynamic research and innovation ecosystem.
The Singapore-India GDSC, when established, will enhance collaboration from both countries and help accelerate the development and uptake of zero or near-zero Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emission technologies and the adoption of digital solutions.
Mr Sonowal also joined global maritime leaders at the Singapore Maritime Week (SMW) 2025 to discuss, deliberate and devise strategies based on the shared vision for a secure, sustainable and prosperous maritime future. The Minister highlighted the challenges and India’s vision to channel growth of the maritime sector around that. He argued for strengthening maritime connectivity and supply chains, and the need for collective effort towards a green sustainable maritime future.
On digitalisation and future ready shipping, he reiterated how it is the core strategy of India’s maritime policy. Policies like ONOP, NLP (Marine) and MAITRI are streamlining port services, cutting transaction times and enabling real-time data. India is also partnering with the UAE and Singapore to create Virtual Trade Corridors for seamless cargo movement, he emphasised.
“As a reliable and responsible partner, India is committed to building a green, secure and inclusive maritime future. Alongside Singapore and global partners, we aim to drive innovation and collective action for a resilient maritime ecosystem,” Mr Sonowal said.