Singapore adds Brazil to green shipping corridor network

Singapore has added Brazil as its 10th green and digital shipping corridor partner, linking the world’s largest bunkering hub with one of the major emerging producers of renewable fuels.

The two countries have signed an agreement to establish a Singapore-Brazil Green and Digital Shipping Corridor focused on alternative marine fuels, digital information exchange and maritime technology.

The memorandum was signed by Singapore transport minister Jeffrey Siow and Brazil’s ports and airports minister Tomé Franca.

The two sides plan to work with shipping and energy companies on supply chains for zero- and near-zero-emission marine fuels. Brazil’s renewable energy base is expected to form one side of the equation, with Singapore providing the world’s largest marine fuel market and a major transhipment hub.

Digital work will include exploring greater exchange of information between the two countries’ maritime and port systems, as well as research and deployment of emerging maritime technologies.

No specific fuel, first pilot voyage or implementation timetable has been named.

The Brazilian agreement expands a Singapore corridor network that already spans major trading partners in Asia, Europe, Australia and the US. Singapore renewed its corridor with the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach for another three years in April, while its South Korean partnership was signed late last year.