20 more companies sign the Maritime Singapore Green Pledge
Twenty more maritime companies came together today to sign the Maritime Singapore Green Pledge to signify their commitment towards promoting clean and green shipping in Singapore. They join the 40 companies that have already signed the Green Pledge so far, MPA said in its press release.
The signing took place during the Singapore Registry of Ships Forum on "Responsible Shipping" and was witnessed by Mr Lam Yi Young, Chief Executive of the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA).
The 20 new signatories of the Green Pledge are listed in Annex A and include shipping lines, salvage companies and offshore service providers. A total of 60 organisations have signed the Green Pledge and pledged their commitment to promote clean and green shipping in Singapore. (Annex A also includes the lists of companies that signed the Green Pledge in 2011 and 2012)
The Maritime Singapore Green Pledge was launched in 2011 as part of the Maritime Singapore Green Initiative. The Maritime Singapore Green Initiative comprises three programmes - Green Ship Programme, Green Port Programme and Green Technology Programme. As of end November 2013, 96 Singapore-flagged ships have been recognised as Green Ships under the Green Ship Programme, more than 1,900 vessel calls have enjoyed port dues concessions under the Green Port Programme and S$12 million of co-funding has been approved under the Green Technology Programme. (Please refer to Annex B for a fact sheet on the Maritime Singapore Green Initiative.)
The Singapore Registry of Ships Forum on "Responsible Shipping" was organised by MPA for owners and operators of Singapore-registered ships to exchange views and insights on the challenges faced by various stakeholders in ensuing safe, secure and efficient global shipping activities. More than 200 senior maritime executives attended the Forum.
During his welcome remarks at the Forum, Mr Lam Yi Young, Chief Executive of MPA, announced that starting from 1 January 2014, the Singapore Registry of Ships will introduce a new Annual Administrative Fee scheme to provide greater administrative convenience and lower transaction costs for owners of Singapore-flagged ships. Under this scheme, ship owners will have the option of paying an annual fee of S$600 per ship instead of making payments on a per transaction basis. The majority of ship owners will pay less in total fees if they opt for the Annual Administrative Fee scheme.
About the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA)
The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) was established on 2 February 1996, with the mission to develop Singapore as a premier global hub port and international maritime centre (IMC), and to advance and safeguard Singapore's strategic maritime interests. MPA is the driving force behind Singapore's port and maritime development, taking on the roles of Port Authority, Port Regulator, Port Planner, IMC Champion, and National Maritime Representative. MPA partners the industry and other agencies to enhance safety, security and environmental protection in our port waters, facilitate port operations and growth, expand the cluster of maritime ancillary services, and promote maritime R&D and manpower development.