On Tuesday, India and Singapore signed a Letter of Intent (LoI) to create a Green and Digital Shipping Corridor (GDSC), focusing on the digital transformation and decarbonization of the maritime industry. The establishment of the Singapore-India GDSC will enhance cooperation between the two nations, aiming to fast-track the development and adoption of zero-emission technologies and digital solutions in shipping. A joint statement from the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore and the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways outlined the goal of this initiative.
Ports, Shipping and Waterways Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, who is currently on a visit to Singapore with a high-level marine delegation, emphasized that this collaboration will further strengthen the long-standing relationship between the two countries. He also highlighted the “Comprehensive Strategic Partnership” aimed at expanding cooperation across various sectors.
During his three-day visit to Singapore, Sonowal is participating in Maritime Week, which is expected to host around 20,000 delegates and exhibitors from around the globe. The LoI outlines collaboration between both countries on maritime digitalization and decarbonization, including identifying key stakeholders to contribute to the project. The goal is to formalize the partnership with a memorandum of understanding on the Singapore-India GDSC.
The LoI was signed by R Lakshmanan, Joint Secretary at the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, and Teo Eng Dinh, Chief Executive of the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore. The signing ceremony was witnessed by Amy Khor, Senior Minister of State for Sustainability and the Environment of Singapore, and Minister Sarbananda Sonowal.
Since its inception in 2022, the GDSC has expanded to include over 28 stakeholders from the maritime, energy, and finance sectors. Minister Khor affirmed Singapore’s commitment to collaborating with like-minded partners to drive maritime digital innovation and decarbonization during the signing ceremony on the second day of Singapore Maritime Week. India’s growing leadership in information technology and its potential as a major producer and exporter of green marine fuels, alongside Singapore’s prominent position as a trans-shipment and bunkering hub, form the foundation for this forward-looking partnership.
