India & Singapore Sign LOI For Green & Digital Shipping Corridor

(MENAFN- KNN India) New Delhi, Mar 26 (KNN) In a significant diplomatic and technological milestone, the Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, and Singapore's Senior Minister of State Dr. Amy Khor witnessed the signing of a pivotal Letter of Intent (LOI) aimed at establishing a Singapore-India Green and Digital Shipping Corridor (GDSC).

The agreement represents a strategic partnership designed to revolutionise maritime operations through digital innovation and sustainable practices.

The collaborative initiative will focus on maritime digitalisation and decarbonisation, leveraging the unique strengths of both nations.

India's robust information technology sector and potential as a green marine fuel producer will complement Singapore's established role as a key transshipment and bunkering hub.

The partnership aims to accelerate the development and adoption of zero or near-zero greenhouse gas emission technologies and advanced digital solutions.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Minister Sonowal emphasised the transformative potential of this collaboration, positioning it as a critical step towards modernising maritime operations.

He highlighted how the partnership aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of a 'Viksit Bharat' (Developed India), emphasising the potential to set new benchmarks in maritime sustainability and efficiency.

The LOI serves as a foundational framework for future cooperation, with both nations committed to identifying relevant stakeholders and working towards a comprehensive memorandum of understanding.

The proposed Green and Digital Shipping Corridor represents a forward-thinking approach to addressing global maritime challenges through technological innovation and sustainable practices.

In addition to the maritime collaboration, Minister Sonowal explored broader international partnerships during his visit.

He expressed interest in seeking Dutch expertise for revamping India's waterways, particularly rivers like the Barak and Brahmaputra.

The minister highlighted potential collaborations in river engineering, inland vessel technology, and sustainable transport solutions.

The maritime diplomatic efforts extended beyond the Singapore agreement. Minister Sonowal inaugurated the India Pavilion and the IRClass Pavilion at the Singapore Maritime Week, showcasing India's commitment to becoming a global maritime hub.

During the event, he emphasised India's strategic approach to transforming ports into clean energy-driven investment centers and fostering shipbuilding excellence.

As part of a comprehensive maritime development strategy, the minister also visited the Singapore Cruise Centre to study infrastructure and facilities that have made Singapore a thriving cruise tourism destination.

India aims to replicate similar terminals in key locations such as Goa, Mumbai, and Chennai to boost its cruise tourism sector.

This landmark collaboration between India and Singapore represents a significant step towards creating a more sustainable, technologically advanced, and efficient maritime ecosystem.

By combining their respective strengths in technology, innovation, and maritime expertise, both nations are positioning themselves at the forefront of global maritime transformation.

(KNN Bureau)

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