France is working to establish a green and digital shipping corridor with Singapore to advance maritime sustainability, digitalization, and cybersecurity, as announced by Eric Banel, France’s director general for maritime affairs, fisheries, and aquaculture.

These corridors aim to minimize the carbon emissions of vessels operating within them by employing technologies such as cleaner fuels and automated clearance processes. Singapore has initiated similar corridors with five nations, including Australia, China, and Japan.

Banel, attending the Singapore Maritime Week, emphasized the importance of cooperation in maritime decarbonization, noting that both countries are enhancing their expertise in this area. He met with officials from the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore to discuss strategies for decarbonization.

Sustainability remains a mutual priority, highlighted by the recent launch of the French-Singapore Joint Year of Sustainability during Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong’s visit to Paris.

“Strengthening collaboration in the maritime sector involves leveraging our respective areas of expertise,” Banel remarked, pointing out the need for cleaner marine fuels such as ammonia, methanol, and hydrogen. Both nations possess significant expertise in these fuels and are committed to ensuring their safety, readiness, and supply.

Banel also stressed the importance of managing the risks associated with new fuels. For example, while ammonia is a promising zero-carbon fuel, it poses challenges due to its corrosive and toxic nature. “We are well-equipped in both Singapore and France to tackle these issues,” he stated.

In addition to sustainability, both countries are keen on exploring new maritime activities, with digitalization being a key theme of the Singapore Maritime Week. This includes discovering innovative technologies to enhance shipping practices.

Cybersecurity also presents an opportunity for collaboration, as both nations have significant expertise to contribute in this domain, especially in light of increasing digital threats.

Banel highlighted that his visit’s overarching goal is to promote neutral carbon shipping, aligning with the International Maritime Organization’s new zero-carbon strategy. He noted that achieving this goal involves not just technological advancements and new fuels but also consistent cooperation on a daily basis, particularly at the international level.

Lastly, Banel’s visit aims to prepare for the United Nations Ocean Conference, which France will co-host with Costa Rica in 2025. This event focuses on ocean protection and enhancing cooperation between nations, with France seeking to rely on strong maritime partners like Singapore.