The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) and Qingdao Port, a subsidiary of Shandong Port Group (SPG), have signed a Work Plan on Green and Digital Shipping Cooperation to further advance the implementation of the Singapore–China and Singapore–Shandong Green and Digital Shipping Corridors (GDSCs).

The agreement focuses on three key areas: green marine fuels, maritime digitalisation, and research and innovation, marking another step towards translating existing cooperation frameworks into practical initiatives.

The Work Plan was signed by MPA Chief Executive Ang Wee Keong and Su Jianguang, Chairman of SPG Qingdao Port Group, in the presence of Gao Liping, Chairman and General Manager of Shandong Port Group.

In green marine fuels, the two parties will explore pilot and demonstration projects for bunkering zero- and near-zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emission marine fuels, including methanol, for vessels operating on direct routes between Singapore and Qingdao.

The cooperation will also include studies on aggregating demand for methanol bunkering, alongside exchanges of knowledge and experience relating to bunkering standards and operational procedures.

In maritime digitalisation, both parties will facilitate the port-to-port exchange of vessel operational event data, leveraging existing digital infrastructure such as MPA's OCEANS-X platform. The initiative aims to improve vessel arrival visibility, enhance berth planning, optimise port resource allocation, and increase the efficiency of port calls.

In research and innovation, the cooperation will promote knowledge exchanges and joint research opportunities in alternative marine fuels and maritime digitalisation, involving institutions such as the Singapore Maritime Institute and the China Waterborne Transport Research Institute.

The latest agreement builds on the broader development of green and digital shipping corridors between Singapore and China.

In December 2023, MPA and the Tianjin Municipal Transportation Commission signed a memorandum of understanding to establish the Singapore–Tianjin Green and Digital Shipping Corridor.

In October 2024, Singapore and Shandong Province established the Singapore–Shandong Green and Digital Shipping Corridor, expanding cooperation in alternative marine fuels, maritime digitalisation, and green shipping technologies.

In October 2025, China's Ministry of Transport and Singapore's Ministry of Transport further strengthened bilateral maritime cooperation through a memorandum of understanding on green and digital shipping corridors, supporting decarbonisation, digital connectivity, and greater efficiency across maritime transport and port operations.

The latest Work Plan represents a further shift from establishing cooperation frameworks towards implementing concrete projects.

In particular, the proposed methanol bunkering pilots, demand aggregation studies, and operational standards exchanges could help facilitate the deployment of alternative marine fuels along shipping routes connecting Qingdao and Singapore.

Through continued collaboration with industry stakeholders and research institutions, both ports aim to accelerate the development of greener, smarter, and more efficient maritime trade between China and Singapore.