File photo of Union Minister, of Ports, Shipping and waterways Sarbananda Sonowal
| Photo Credit: ANI/Sansad TV
India and Singapore on Tuesday (March 25, 2025) signed a Letter of Intent (LoI) on Green and Digital Shipping Corridor (GDSC) collaboration at the ongoing Singapore Maritime Week (SMW). India and Netherlands also discussed the possibility of utilizing Dutch global expertise to enable cargo movement in low draft rivers of Brahmaputra and Barak.
The LoI on maritime digitalisation (Digital Corridor Collaboration) and Decarbonisation (Green Shipping)
“Under the LOI, both sides will collaborate on maritime digitalisation and decarbonisation projects, including identifying relevant stakeholders who could contribute to the effort, and work towards formalising the partnership through a memorandum of understanding on a Singapore-India GDSC,” the Ministry said in a statement.
The Singapore-India GDSC, when established, will enhance collaboration from both countries and help accelerate the development and uptake of zero or near-zero GHG emission technologies and the adoption of digital solutions, the Ministry said.
Speaking on the occasion, Union Minister, of Ports, Shipping and waterways Sarbananda Sonowal said the Corridor will drive innovation, accelerate the adoption of low-emission technologies, and strengthen digital integration in the sector. “With India’s strength in Information Technology and green fuel production, along with Singapore’s role as a global maritime hub, this partnership will set new benchmarks in sustainability and efficiency in the maritime sector. We look forward to work closely to build a resilient, future-ready maritime ecosystem that benefits both nations and the global maritime industry.”
During the day, Mr. Sonowal also visited Singapore Cruise Centre to understand the infrastructure and facilities that has helped Singapore to become a thriving cruise tourism destination, the Ministry said India aims to replicate such terminals in key locations like Goa, Mumbai, and Chennai to provide a fillip to the cruise tourism. He also met with key officials of Singapore Chamber of Maritime Arbitration (SCMA) as well as top industry captains from maritime sector of the Netherlands.
Published – March 25, 2025 09:22 pm IST