As we approach our annual conference in Singapore, we catch-up with Mr Kenneth Lim, Assistant Chief Executive (Industry and Transformation) at the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore, to gain his insights into the future of Singapore as a maritime city.
What is the key role of the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA?)
The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) was established in 1996 to develop Singapore as a premier global hub port and international maritime centre while safeguarding Singapore’s strategic maritime interests. MPA is the driving force behind Singapore’s maritime and port development, acting as port regulator and planner, international maritime centre champion, national maritime representative and a pioneer of digitalisation and decarbonisation efforts globally. MPA drives digitalisation, decarbonisation, and talent development to support the growth of Maritime Singapore.
Can you tell us about the maritime community in Singapore? How has it developed in recent years?
Singapore’s maritime community has grown tremendously over the years, growing from about 40 international shipping groups in the early 2000s to over 200 today. These shipping groups are supported by a diverse pool of maritime service providers including marine insurers, ship financiers, brokers, and maritime law and arbitration specialists. The vibrant maritime eco-system in Singapore continues to draw more businesses looking to establish or expand their presence in Asia.
The growth of Maritime Singapore can be attributed to the strong spirit of tripartism amongst the government, industry and unions, bolstered by a culture of collaboration. We continue to focus on open dialogue and collaboration, ensuring the business environment in Singapore remains conducive for maritime businesses to thrive and grow.
What are MPA’s ambitions for the port and for Singapore’s maritime sector in general?
MPA aims to strengthen Singapore’s connectivity and value proposition as a premier global hub port by building a smarter and greener Tuas Port ready to meet the needs of an evolving global supply chain. Automated operations and smart technologies will enhance efficiency of our port operations and ship turnaround times, roughly doubling its current volume once completed. The port also strives to achieve net zero emissions by 2050.
MPA also continues to catalyse innovation through closer alignment of public and private sector R&D efforts and is committed to building a future-ready workforce with relevant skill sets and a global mindset equipped to support the continued growth of Maritime Singapore.
Looking ahead, we aim to lead in key areas that will shape the future of shipping – decarbonisation, digitalisation, and talent development, ensuring that Maritime Singapore remains at the forefront of industry transformation.
How does the MPA interact with the marine insurance sector?
As an international maritime centre champion, MPA facilitates business growth and talent development of both insurers newly entering Singapore, and established insurers looking to expand in the region. MPA conducts industry consultation exercises to get feedback on the business environment in Singapore as well as potential areas for new collaborations.
An example would be the Singapore War Risk Mutual (SWRM). SWRM was launched in response to the industry’s growing demand for a war risk mutual to protect Southeast Asian shipowners from threats faced while trading globally.
We also help to foster strong linkages between marine insurers and the wider Maritime Singapore eco-system through industry engagements and events such as Singapore Maritime Week.
In an ideal world, is there anything you’d like marine insurance companies to do better or differently?
MPA enjoys our close partnership with the marine insurance community in Singapore and will continue to work with them to explore development of new products or service offerings. As the operating environment becomes increasingly complex considering geopolitical developments, technological advancements and growing traction of decarbonisation efforts, collaboration will be key in navigating these complexities.
This spirit of partnership will be increasingly important as the maritime sector continues to transform and new opportunities emerge.
Shipping is transitioning towards a carbon-neutral future, how is the MPA facilitating this important journey?
MPA is working with the global shipping community to develop various net-zero fuel pathways, including electrification and biofuels for domestic harbour crafts, and alternative fuels for international shipping.
For instance, Singapore achieved the world’s first ship-to-containership methanol bunkering in 2023, conducted the very first ammonia bunkering trial in 2024, and recently finalised Singapore’s methanol bunkering licensing framework and standards in March 2025. We have now opened applications for licenses to supply methanol as a marine fuel in Singapore.
We have also developed technical references and industry standards including the development of charging infrastructure and battery swap systems for electric harbour crafts (e-HCs). To support early adopters of e-HCs, MPA is exploring supportive mechanisms to help right-price insurance premiums, including information sharing, access to relevant technical and operational information, loss prevention programmes, and quality assurance.
MPA has also established the industry-supported Maritime Energy Training Facility (METF), aimed at training the global maritime workforce in handling and operating vessels using clean marine fuels, that will be fully established by 2026. Around 10,000 seafarers and other maritime personnel are expected to be trained via the METF until the 2030s.
