Singapore-based Global Centre for Maritime Decarbonisation (GCMD) and port operator PSA International (PSA) have announced a five-year tie-up to advance collaboration on maritime / seaport decarbonisation.
Noting that ports “play a pivotal role in enabling the maritime energy transition,” the pair argue that supporting infrastructure such as onshore power supply, storage and handling facilities, and new-fuel bunkering, is essential for the sector’s energy transition. They add that downstream logistics development is also crucial for deploying carbon dioxide removal systems like onboard CO2 capture and transport.
Professor Lynn Loo, CEO of GCMD, said, “Given the safety considerations of alternative fuels and the complexities of deploying decarbonisation solutions, port operators are crucial partners for GCMD. Their involvement is key to making the use of future fuels and the offloading of CO2 a routine part of port operations. PSA’s network of ports and terminals is a valuable platform for conducting real-world pilots, from which we can draw practical insights and recommendations to help build ecosystem confidence and accelerate shipping’s fuel transition.”
Ong Kim Pong, Group CEO, PSA International said, “As momentum builds in the maritime sector’s shift towards cleaner energy, the urgency to decarbonise and adopt low- or zero-carbon fuels and technologies has intensified. PSA, as a leading global port operator and trusted partner to cargo stakeholders, is well positioned to leverage its global network of strategic nodes and energy hubs to catalyse the sustainability transformation across the port and supply chain ecosystem. Our partnership with GCMD positions us at the forefront of the evolving energy landscape, enabling the adoption of future fuels while upholding the highest standards of operational excellence, in alignment with our Node-to-Network strategy.”
Meanwhile, closer to home, local trade body, the Australian Logistics Council has argued in a submission to the Productivity Commission that “Australian ports must anticipate future fuel bunkering requirements, shore power capabilities and integration with local renewable systems. Effective national coordination and forward planning are essential to support decarbonised trade corridors and maintain international competitiveness”.
