Port of Singapore
Singapore as state to achieve net zero emissions mid-century
Carbon Neutral Ambitions
Singapore aims to achieve net zero emissions by or around mid-century and 33% renewable energy by 2035. This of course is not equal to the port area being carbon neutral, but the influence of the Singapore state in port is significant. Already, Jurong Port boasts of a 9.65 megawatt-peak solar photovoltaic system.
An outlined Shore power roadmap or strategy has not been identified, but Singapore does have a Singapore Green Initiative, Green Shipping Initiative and Decarbonization Program.
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The Maritime Singapore Decarbonisation Blueprint: Working Towards 2050 charts ambitious and concrete long-term strategies to build a sustainable Maritime Singapore. In consultation with industry partners, the Blueprint will contribute to Singapore’s commitments under the United Nations’ 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda, Paris Agreement and the Initial IMO Strategy on reduction of GHG emissions from ships. The Blueprint outlines seven focus areas, which MPA will focus on to support the decarbonisation of the maritime industry:
Port terminals
Domestic harbour craft
Future marine fuels, bunkering standards and infrastructure
Singapore Registry of Ships
Efforts at IMO and other international platforms
Research & development and talent
Carbon awareness, carbon accounting and green financing
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The Maritime Singapore Green Initiative seeks to reduce the environmental impact of shipping and related activities and to promote clean and green shipping in Singapore. In 2011, the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) pledged to invest up to S$100 million over 5 years in the Maritime Singapore Green Initiative.
In 2019, the Initiative was further extended till 31 December 2024 and enhanced to promote decarbonisation of shipping. It is a comprehensive initiative comprising four programmes:
Green Port Programme
Green Energy and Technology Programme
Green Awareness Programme
These are voluntary programmes designed to recognise and provide incentives to companies that adopt clean and green shipping practices over and above the minimum required by International Maritime Organization (IMO) Conventions. The initiative underscores Singapore's commitment as a responsible flag and port state to clean and green shipping.
Shore power infrastructure
Only one shore power project of note in Singapore has been identified. This is the Shell / Zinus / Penguin Shipyard Case Study.
Norway-based Zinus, a supplier of shore power products and autonomous solutions for ports and vessels, has secured a contract with Penguin Shipyard International in Singapore for the delivery of a fully automatic charging solution to three electric passenger catamarans which are being build for Shell, destined to enter service during the first half of 2023.
Zinus’ scope includes three charging towers for installation on land, and six receiving units for charging plugs to be installed on board the vessels. According to Zinus, connecting the fast ferries to the power supply only takes around 20 seconds, and the system can deliver a current of 4400 amperes.
The three fast ferries vessels are part of Shell’s sustainability program, and according to the energy company, this will be the first fully electric ferry service in Singapore and the first for Shell globally.
References
Ship Technology - Port of Singapore
Solar PV is integrated with the local water treatment system on Tengeh Reservoir in Singapore, offsetting 6% of its annual energy needs for 25 years.