India, Singapore Sign LOI on Green Shipping and Digital Corridor

Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, attended the signing ceremony of a Letter of Intent (LOI) between India and Singapore for collaboration on maritime digitalisation and green shipping. The LOI was signed by R Lakshmanan, Joint Secretary, MoPSW, and Teo Eng Dih, Chief Executive of the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore.

Key Highlights of the Green and Digital Shipping Corridor

The LOI focuses on developing a Singapore-India Green and Digital Shipping Corridor (GDSC) to promote zero or near-zero greenhouse gas emission technologies and adopt digital solutions for maritime operations. India, with its strength in IT and green fuel production, along with Singapore’s expertise as a maritime hub, will set new standards for sustainable maritime practices.

India-Netherlands Maritime Cooperation Discussed

On the sidelines of Singapore Maritime Week, Sonowal met with Brigit Gijsbers, Vice Minister of the Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management, the Netherlands. Discussions focused on enhancing the existing MoU on maritime cooperation, including green shipping, vessel technology, and water management. The possibility of creating a Green Shipping Corridor between the Port of Rotterdam and Indian ports like Deendayal (Kandla) and VoC Port (Tuticorin) was also explored.

Plans to Develop Cruise Tourism Infrastructure

Sonowal visited the Singapore Cruise Centre to learn about its advanced infrastructure that has made Singapore a major cruise tourism hub. India aims to replicate similar terminals in key locations such as Goa, Mumbai, and Chennai to boost cruise tourism and improve passenger experiences.

India’s Vision for a Sustainable Maritime Future

Speaking at the India Business Roundtable, Sonowal highlighted India’s emergence as a global maritime hub under PM Narendra Modi’s leadership. He emphasized India’s commitment to sustainable shipping, clean energy-driven ports, and shipbuilding excellence. Sonowal also invited global stakeholders to partner with India in building a future-ready maritime ecosystem.