New Delhi: Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal attended the signing ceremony of a letter of intent (LOI) between India and Singapore on maritime digitalisation and decarbonisation in Singapore on Tuesday. Sonowal was joined by Dr Amy Khor, Senior Minister of State, Ministry of Sustainability and the Environment and Ministry of Transport, Singapore. The LOI was signed by R Lakshmanan, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways (MoPSW), and Teo Eng Dih, Chief Executive of the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore.
Under the LOI, both countries will collaborate on maritime digitalisation and decarbonisation projects, identify relevant stakeholders, and work towards formalising the partnership through a memorandum of understanding for the Singapore-India Green and Digital Shipping Corridor.
India, with its strong position in information technology, has the potential to become a major producer and exporter of green marine fuels. Singapore, as a key transshipment and bunkering hub, offers a dynamic research and innovation ecosystem. The Singapore-India Green and Digital Shipping Corridor, once established, will foster collaboration between the two nations, accelerate the adoption of low or near-zero emission technologies, and promote digital solutions in the maritime sector.
Speaking at the event, Sarbananda Sonowal said the signing of the LOI is a major step towards modernising maritime operations and advancing green shipping efforts. He noted that the corridor would drive innovation, accelerate the adoption of low-emission technologies, and strengthen digital integration in the sector. Highlighting India’s strength in information technology and green fuel production, alongside Singapore’s role as a global maritime hub, he expressed confidence that the partnership would set new standards for sustainability and efficiency in the industry.
In a bilateral meeting with Vice Minister Brigit Gijsbers of the Netherlands, Sonowal discussed ways to deepen maritime cooperation between the two countries. He emphasised India’s interest in leveraging Dutch expertise in dredging, river engineering, and modern inland vessel technology to enhance cargo movement in low-draft rivers such as the Brahmaputra and Barak. He highlighted the Netherlands' experience in shallow-draft push barges, modular inland vessels, and LNG-powered river transport as a valuable resource for India’s inland waterways sector. He also underlined the potential for Dutch collaboration in major projects like the Jal Marg Vikas Project and Brahmaputra River dredging, aligning with India’s goal of making the Northeast a key driver of growth.
Sonowal, along with Dr Amy Khor, also inaugurated the India Pavilion at the ongoing Singapore Maritime Week. He later inaugurated the IRClass Pavilion and presided over the India Business Roundtable, where he spoke about India’s emergence as a global maritime hub driven by sustainability, digital innovation, and strategic partnerships. He said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India is transforming its ports into clean energy-driven investment hubs, fostering excellence in shipbuilding, and working towards decarbonising the shipping industry. He invited global partners to collaborate in shaping a sustainable and future-ready maritime economy.
During his visit, Sonowal also toured the Singapore Cruise Centre to understand the infrastructure and facilities that have made Singapore a leading cruise tourism destination. India aims to replicate similar terminals in key locations such as Goa, Mumbai, and Chennai to boost cruise tourism. He also met with officials from the Singapore Chamber of Maritime Arbitration and key industry leaders from the Netherlands’ maritime sector.
BI Bureau
