MPA and China Classification Society Renew Partnership MOU

Renewal Announced on 20 October

The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) announced on 20 October 2026 that it and China Classification Society (CCS) have renewed their Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to strengthen collaboration in maritime decarbonisation, digitalisation and talent development in Singapore. According to MPA, the MOU was renewed during the Sixth North Bund International Shipping Forum in Shanghai and builds on a partnership established in 2023. Ship & Bunker reported the renewal on 22 October.

Since 2023, MPA says, the two organisations have worked with local research and industry partners on projects ranging from the use of B100 biofuel on harbour craft to the evaluation, testing and verification of smart ships.

What the Renewed MOU Covers

According to MPA’s release, the two organisations will:

• expand research and development collaboration on decarbonisation, including the green fuel value chain, marine electrification and energy efficiency technologies for vessels
• deepen collaboration on digital and smart ship initiatives, such as digital testing and risk assessment for autonomous vessels
• support talent development through the MPA Global Internship Awards, the MaritimeONE Scholarship Programme, internships and attachments

Mr Ang Wee Keong, Chief Executive of MPA, said the two sides look forward “to exchanging expertise and working together to develop solutions for maritime decarbonisation and digitalisation”. Mr Zhao Yan, Chairman and President of CCS, said CCS “aims for Singapore to be the most comprehensive overseas maritime technology centre and one-stop integrated service platform.”

What It Means for Owners and Managers

The MOU is a research and cooperation agreement. MPA’s release does not announce new rules or survey requirements. Joint work on autonomous-vessel testing, alternative fuel supply and electrification could inform future technical guidance, but the release does not say it will. For owners with ships calling at Singapore or classed with CCS, the agreement shows where the two bodies aim to focus their research.

Sources

• Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore: https://www.mpa.gov.sg/media-centre/details/mpa-and-china-classification-society-strengthen-partnership-for-a-greener-smarter-maritime-future
• Ship & Bunker: https://shipandbunker.com/news/apac/873133-mpa-and-china-classification-society-renew-maritime-decarbonisation-partnership

Reviewed by Apeks Marine Editorial Team.