Associated British Ports (ABP) welcomed a delegation from the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) to the Port of Southampton, led by MPA Chief Executive Mr Teo Eng Dih on Friday 17th March.
The Port Authorities opened discussions on various areas of potential cooperation regarding sustainable maritime transport in the context of the UK-Singapore Green Economy Framework (UKSGEF). Both sides agreed that cooperation between key like-minded stakeholders across the maritime and port ecosystems of the UK and Singapore would be important to support the decarbonisation, digitalisation and growth of the maritime industry. Today’s very positive meeting paves the way for further discussions on green and digital shipping cooperation between Singapore and Southampton.
Mr Alastair Welch, ABP’s Regional Director for Southampton said “It was great to welcome Chief Executive Teo Eng Dih and his colleagues to the Port of Southampton, the UK’s number 1 port for deep sea trade. We’re committed to driving progress in sustainability, as evidenced by our leading position as the UK’s first significant shore-power provider. Partnership between ports and with governments will be key in driving real change and today’s discussions between ourselves and MPA set a great foundation for sustainable maritime trade between our two ports.”
Mr Teo Eng Dih, Chief Executive of the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore, said: “MPA thanks ABP for its hospitality. There is a strong base of collaboration between the UK and Singapore in maritime. Today’s discussion between the Port of Southampton, UK stakeholders and MPA was a good opportunity for us to address common challenges, learn from each other and exchange views on maritime decarbonisation and digitalisation. I look forward to a strong partnership in developing cost-effective solutions for the international shipping community.”
Friday’s meeting was part of a programme of events MPA was undertaking in Southampton, including meetings with the University of Southampton, the UK Hydrographic Office and Maritime and Coastguard Agency.