India and Singapore Collaborate on Green and Digital Shipping Corridor

On March 25, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, the Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways (MoPSW), participated in the signing ceremony of a Letter of Intent (LOI) between India and Singapore. The LOI focuses on maritime digitalisation (Digital Corridor Collaboration) and decarbonisation (Green Shipping). Joining Shri Sonowal was Dr. Amy Khor, Senior Minister of State for the Ministry of Sustainability and the Environment and Ministry of Transport, Singapore. The LOI was signed by Shri R. Lakshmanan, Joint Secretary of MoPSW, and Teo Eng Dih, Chief Executive of the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore.

This LOI marks the beginning of a partnership to collaborate on maritime digitalisation and decarbonisation projects. The two sides will identify key stakeholders to contribute to the efforts and work towards formalising the collaboration through a memorandum of understanding on the Singapore-India Green and Digital Shipping Corridor (GDSC).

The "Comprehensive Strategic Partnership" will deepen and broaden cooperation between the two countries. Photo: Shutterstock | Business Standard

India, with its leadership in information technology, has the potential to become a major producer and exporter of green marine fuels. Singapore, as a prominent transshipment and bunkering hub, also fosters a thriving research and innovation ecosystem. The Singapore-India GDSC, once established, will strengthen collaboration between both countries and accelerate the development of zero or near-zero GHG emission technologies and the adoption of digital solutions.

While addressing the event, Union Minister Shri Sarbananda Sonowal stated, “The signing of this landmark LOI marks the bilateral collaboration as a significant step towards modernising maritime operations and advancing green shipping efforts. The Singapore-India Green and Digital Shipping Corridor will drive innovation, accelerate the adoption of low-emission technologies, and strengthen digital integration in the sector, allowing us to move India towards realising the vision of PM Shri Narendra Modiji’s ‘Viksit Bharat’. With India’s strength in Information Technology and green fuel production, along with Singapore’s role as a global maritime hub, this partnership will set new benchmarks in sustainability and efficiency in the maritime sector. We look forward to work closely to build a resilient, future ready maritime ecosystem that benefits both nations and the global maritime industry.”

Highlighting the need for global Dutch expertise in revitalizing India's waterways, including the Barak and Brahmaputra rivers, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal stated, “With their rich experience and global expertise in dredging, river engineering, we can enable our diverse and rich riverine system with effective dredging techniques, modern inland vessel technology & water management. The Netherlands' expertise in shallow-draft push barges, modular inland vessels, & LNG-powered river transport presents a valuable opportunity for India. We are keen to adapt these technologies to enhance cargo movement in low-draft rivers like the Brahmaputra & Barak, making inland waterways more efficient, sustainable, & economically viable. We see great potential for Dutch collaboration in India’s major projects like the Jal Marg Vikas Project (JMVP) and Brahmaputra River dredging. This will help us realise the vision of PM Shri Narendra Modi ji to empower the Northeast as the New Engine of Growth for an Atmanirbhar Bharat charting its course on becoming a Viksit country.” 

Union Minister Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, alongside Dr. Amy Khor, Senior Minister of Singapore, inaugurated the ‘India Pavilion’ at the event.

Shri Sonowal also unveiled the IRClass Pavilion during the ongoing Singapore Maritime Week (SMW). Addressing the India Business Roundtable, the Union Minister remarked, “India is rapidly emerging as a global maritime hub, driven by sustainability, digital innovation, and strategic partnerships. Under the visionary leadership of PM Shri Narendra Modi ji, we are transforming ports into clean energy-driven investment hubs, fostering shipbuilding excellence, and decarbonising shipping. With bold reforms, resilient supply chains, and global collaborations like the India-Singapore Green and Digital Shipping Corridor, we invite the world to partner with us in shaping a sustainable and future-ready maritime economy.”

Union Minister Shri Sarbananda Sonowal visited the Singapore Cruise Centre during the day to explore its infrastructure and facilities, which have contributed to Singapore’s success as a leading cruise tourism destination. India plans to develop similar terminals in key locations such as Goa, Mumbai, and Chennai to boost cruise tourism. Additionally, Sonowal held discussions with key officials from the Singapore Chamber of Maritime Arbitration (SCMA) and leading maritime industry representatives from the Netherlands.

(This Article was originally published by PIB)