Asia/Pacific News
MPA Expands Green Incentive Programmes to Encourage Uptake of LNG Bunkers
The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) Thursday announced that, under its Maritime Singapore Green Initiative (MSGI), the organisation has extended incentives of its Green Ship Programme (GSP) to include ships using liquefied natural gas (LNG) bunkers, effective July 1, 2016.
MPA says it has also tightened the sulfur oxide limit of its Green Port Programme (GPP) to 0.5 percent.
In addition, GPP, which offers a flat concession rate of 25 percent to vessels using low sulfur fuel, will be extended to ships using LNG bunkers at the port.
The extensions to LNG are said to be part of the port's longer term efforts to encourage the uptake of LNG as a sustainable alternative marine fuel.
"The extension of the MSGI Programme is a strong demonstration of our commitment towards an environmentally friendly and sustainable global hub port," said Andrew Tan, CEO of MPA.
"We hope that the enhancement to the MSGI will incentivise the maritime industry to continue with their efforts to provide safe, efficient and sustainable shipping, notwithstanding the challenging economic environment. MPA will ensure that the MSGI remains relevant and supports the move towards a more Sustainable Singapore and global maritime community."
MPA notes that it will also be introducing two new programmes under MSGI, including the Green Awareness Programme (GAP), which aims to raise awareness of sustainable shipping options, and the Green Energy Programme (GEP), which is intended to encourage the adoption of alternate and cleaner bunkers, and energy efficient operational measures in preparation for a stricter global sulfur emissions cap.
In order to assist companies in preparing for Sustainability/Integrated (S/I) reporting, MPA says it will be co-funding the consultancy fees paid by listed shipping companies intending to generate their S/I Reports ahead of 2018.
Further, the port authority will be awarding the first SEC-MPA Singapore Environmental Achievement Award (Maritime) this year, which recognises sustainability efforts of maritime companies.
In April, in an effort to address the downturn in the shipping industry, MPA announced it would grant a 10 percent concession on port dues for bulk carriers.
