The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) and DNV have renewed their Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen collaboration in maritime sustainability, digitalisation, innovation, and talent development.

The MoU was signed by Chin Yi Zhuan, Deputy Chief Executive (Industry & Corporate) at MPA, and Cristina Saenz de Santa Maria, Chief Operating Officer at DNV Maritime, during the Singapore Norway Innovation Conference 2025. The conference took place on November 6 at the Amara Hotel in Singapore.

Building on earlier partnerships established in 2019 and 2022, the renewed MoU reaffirms both parties' commitment to advance the maritime and port sectors in Singapore.

Under the agreement, MPA and DNV will jointly drive research and development, innovation, and test-bedding projects such as joint industry collaborations for remote vessel operations with the local maritime community, as well as tertiary and research institutions. The partnership aims to accelerate the adoption of zero- and near-zero-emission fuels, promote decarbonisation technologies, and advance smart-ship systems.

Both organisations will also collaborate on industry training and talent development through initiatives such as the Maritime Innovation Committee, PIER71, and Smart Port Challenge.

Ang Wee Keong, Chief Executive at MPA, said: "The renewal of this MoU underscores the shared commitment of MPA and DNV to co-create solutions that will shape the future of shipping. By combining our regulatory and industry development experience with DNV's global technical expertise, we can accelerate innovation in smart and sustainable shipping, advance the use of low- and zero-carbon fuels, and strengthen talent and knowledge exchange across the maritime ecosystem. Together, we aim to build a more connected, capable, and future-ready maritime sector."

Knut Ørbeck-Nilssen, CEO Maritime at DNV, commented: "By strengthening our collaboration with MPA through this MoU, we aim to accelerate the development and adoption of green and digital maritime solutions, while nurturing the next generation of maritime professionals. These joint efforts will help to further position Singapore as a centre of excellence for maritime research and innovation, supported by the MPA's proactive and strategic vision and DNV's technical and digital capabilities."

The partnership between MPA and DNV dates back to 2014, with subsequent renewals in 2019 and 2022 that expanded the scope to include autonomous shipping, and low and zero-carbon fuels.