In Singapore, speaking on March 24 at Singapore Maritime Week 2025, Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong warned that climate change and decarbonization are forcing a structural shift in global trade and maritime logistics. “Climate change and extreme weather events are already affecting established trade routes,” he said, citing droughts disrupting traffic through the Panama Canal and the emergence of Arctic passages due to melting ice.
The maritime industry, Lee noted, faces mounting pressure to cut emissions. “International shipping accounts for about three per cent of all greenhouse gas emissions—roughly as much as global aviation.” He added, “The industry is therefore actively seeking ways to decarbonise by using greener fuels and developing more efficient ships.”
To stay competitive, Singapore is developing green shipping corridors, trialing alternative fuels, and investing in emissions technology. Just as critically, it is preparing its workforce. “Our workers must be prepared to take on new and more productive roles and not be sidelined or displaced by technology or AI,” Lee said. He added, “With this support, our people will embrace and make full use of technology instead of resisting it and jeopardizing both Singapore’s competitiveness and their own livelihoods.”
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Category: Sustainable Marine Fuels
