JP and MPA commit S$12 million for Green Port and Productivity Solutions Programme

Jurong Port (JP) will be plumbing new depths in the development of green port technologies and productivity solutions. JP and the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) jointly launched the Green Port and Productivity Solutions (GPPS) research and development (R&D) Programme today, through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed by JP CEO Matthew Chan and MPA's Chief Executive Lam Yi Young.

Co-funded by MPA's Maritime Innovation and Technology (MINT) Fund and JP, the GPPS will see both organisations commit S$6 million each over the next five years to embark on green technology and productivity projects in the port. The funding pledge is part of MPA's commitment to promote and nurture the maritime R&D sector.

JP is raring to go, according to CEO Matthew Chan. 'We've already completed a study on our carbon footprint,' he said. 'Now we will develop and implement major green projects with MPA's funding support'.

Under the MOU, up to S$12 million is available to conduct research into and test-bed green technologies to reduce its carbon footprint and improve productivity for its existing and future terminals. JP has identified four operational challenges in the areas of rising labour costs, limited waterfront space, high energy consumption and the need to be more environmentally friendly.

Said Chief Executive Lam Yi Young "MPA's MINT Fund has supported many maritime R&D projects since it was launched in 2007. I am pleased to note that under the Green Port and Productivity Solutions R&D Programme, Jurong Port will be working with tertiary and research institutions to identify greener solutions to enhance their port operations."

Both MPA and JP were part of the inaugural Maritime Singapore Green Pledge signing ceremony, which was held in conjunction with the announcement of the Maritime Singapore Green Initiative in April this year. During the signing ceremony, 12 organisations pledged to be responsible members of the international maritime community by supporting and promoting clean and green shipping in Singapore. The Maritime Singapore Green Initiative is an S$100 million initiative comprising of three programmes - Green Ship Programme, Green Port Programme and Green Technology Programme - that seeks to reduce the environmental impacts of shipping and related activities and to promote clean and green shipping in Singapore.

End of release.

MPA Chief Executive, Lam Yi Young, with Jurong Port CEO, Matthew Chan, at the MOU signing ceremony.

About Jurong Port
Headquartered in Singapore, Jurong Port is a leading international multi-purpose port operator handling general, bulk and containerised cargo. The port welcomes more than 40,000 vessel calls annually.

Jurong Port began operations in 1965 as a general and bulk cargo port, serving the development needs of Singapore's Jurong industrial estate. With developments over the years, the port has expanded its role to serve Singapore and the world. In 2001, the port was corporatized, and became a fully owned subsidiary of Jurong Town Corporation.

Today, Jurong Port, Singapore's only multi-purpose port - has global connectivity to more than 80 ports in over 30 countries.

You can get more information about Jurong Port at www.jp.com.sg

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.