Singapore continues focus on maritime industry

AS a shipping centre, Singapore continues to attract a broad range of maritime players to support its port operations and the diverse needs of shipowners and operators, says Transport Minister Raymond Lim.

Speaking at the Singapore Maritime Foundation's New Year cocktail reception, Mr Lim said last year the city-state welcomed established maritime service companies such as McQuilling Energy Brokerage Services Asia, Howe Robinson, Braemer Seascope and Campi d'Oro Shipping.

Mr Lim said the government is firmly committed to supporting the growth of the maritime industry and has extended the port dues concessions for all ocean-going ships and harbour craft.

To develop Singapore as a centre for maritime research and education, the government in September set up the Singapore Maritime Institute (SMI) which aims to drive maritime research and development and groom local maritime talent.

The Maritime and Port Authority (MPA) has committed up to S$200 million (US$154.5 million) in funding for the SMI over the next 10 years.

This will be supplemented by collaborative funding from the Agency of Science, Technology and Research and the Economic Development Board.

To further promote maritime research and development, the MPA also developed new programmes under the Maritime Innovation and Technology Fund, or MINT Fund, in the areas of clean energy and environmental protection.

Over the past year, the MPA signed a memorandum of understanding with the Nanyang Technological University and Temasek Polytechnic to collectively pledge a total of S$12 million to support projects on clean energy and fuel cell technology.
(Source:www.schednet.com)