India, Singapore Advance Digital Corridor and Green Shipping Partnership

India and Singapore are working toward a comprehensive roadmap to strengthen cooperation in maritime digitalisation and green shipping, marking a significant step in their growing bilateral partnership. The initiative, currently under development, aims to establish infrastructure that will support a digital corridor and environmentally sustainable shipping practices.

According to Vijay Kumar, Secretary at India’s Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, both countries are in the process of finalising a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that will outline key infrastructure requirements and collaborative frameworks. Speaking at Singapore Maritime Week, Kumar highlighted that the roadmap will include crucial elements such as investment planning, storage capacity, pipeline networks, bunkering facilities, and projections for future green fuel demand.

This proposed MoU builds upon earlier cooperation between the two nations. Last year, India’s Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, signed a Letter of Intent with Singapore focusing on maritime digitalisation and decarbonisation. The current roadmap is expected to deepen that engagement by translating intent into actionable strategies.

The collaboration aligns with global efforts to decarbonise the maritime sector, which is under increasing pressure to reduce its environmental footprint. With shipping being a major contributor to global emissions, both countries see this partnership as a way to accelerate the adoption of cleaner technologies and fuels.

Kumar emphasised the complementary strengths of the two nations. India brings to the table its cost-effective green energy resources and growing industrial base, while Singapore contributes its expertise as a leading global maritime hub. This synergy is expected to create new opportunities for innovation and sustainable growth in the shipping industry.

The Indian delegation at Singapore Maritime Week includes senior officials and representatives from key maritime institutions such as the Directorate General of Shipping, Shipping Corporation of India, VOC Port Authority, Deendayal Port Authority, major shipyards, and the Indian Ports Association. Several bilateral meetings and strategic discussions are also scheduled during the event.

A highlight of India’s participation is its pavilion, inaugurated by Singapore’s Senior Minister of State for Transport, Murali Pillai. The pavilion features ship models, simulation technologies, and exhibits showcasing India’s maritime capabilities. One of the standout displays is INSV Kaundinya, a traditionally built wooden vessel inspired by ancient Indian shipbuilding techniques. The ship, constructed without metal and using coir ropes, successfully completed its maiden voyage to Oman earlier this year, demonstrating the viability of historical maritime practices.

Singapore Maritime Week, now in its 20th edition, is expected to attract over 20,000 participants from nearly 80 countries, including global policymakers and industry leaders, making it a key platform for advancing maritime innovation and cooperation.