In the context of India’s green shipping and digital business, Singapore is going to play a critical role in enhancing the relations between the two countries. Being a global maritime hub that supplies more than 55 million tonnes of bunker fuel every year, Singapore is strategically located to support India’s strategies on green fuel exports and digital trade.
Both countries are currently studying the “Green Digital Shipping Corridor” that connects international ports and promotes eco-friendly marine industries. These plans are in line with India’s plans to be an exporter of green hydrogen, ammonia and other green fuels as Singapore is a strategic hub for the distribution of these products to vessels all over the world.
The Indian Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, is expected to receive an invitation to Singapore next week to meet with the local industry leaders to firm up the collaborations. His focus remains on port digitization and green shipping to justify India’s emergence as a major maritime power. In turn, Singapore believes that this partnership presents a great chance to be involved in India’s very rapid development of its ports, shipbuilding and industries.
Sonowal will be accompanied by Indian maritime representatives, including the Indian Ports Association, Cochin Shipyard, Indian Maritime University, and shipbuilders like L&T Shipyard and Garden Reach Shipbuilders. This visit is to coincide with the Singapore Maritime Week (24-28 March) which brings together about 20,000 industry leaders from all over the world.
This is because during the event, Indian officials and business people will meet with other international interest holders to discuss investment potentials and forge stronger maritime trade. This is because Singapore is well-equipped with the necessary infrastructure and India has emerged as a major player in the green energy sector, and therefore this partnership is expected to spur innovation and sustainability in the global shipping sector.
