The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore and the Port of Antwerp-Bruges have formalized their joint commitment to advancing sustainability and digital innovation in global shipping with the signing of a new Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on March 21, 2025.
This collaboration signals a pragmatic approach to shared global challenges. With both ports being major players in international maritime trade, their alignment sets the tone for other ports worldwide to follow suit in decarbonising operations and improving digital workflows.
The MOU was signed by Jacques Vandermeiren, CEO of Port of Antwerp-Bruges, and Teo Eng Dih, Chief Executive of the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA). It was later exchanged during a state visit to Belgium on March 25, 2025, attended by President Tharman Shanmugaratnam of Singapore. Representing their respective ports at the ceremony were Johan Klaps, Vice-Mayor of the City of Antwerp and President of the Port’s Board, and Lim Hong Huai, Singapore’s Ambassador to Belgium.
Rather than just a symbolic gesture, the agreement lays the groundwork for real action: both ports will begin sharing operational data, best practices, and strategies focused on carbon reduction and digital advancement. In an industry where many players still operate with legacy systems and diesel-heavy processes, the move toward modernization isn’t just forward-thinking—it’s essential.
Jacques Vandermeiren emphasized the dual focus of the deal, calling it “a significant step in the energy and digital transition.” He reaffirmed Antwerp-Bruges’ commitment to knowledge-sharing and joint innovation, stating, “We are committed to pioneering towards a sustainable and secure future.”
Teo Eng Dih echoed the sentiment, highlighting the need for cross-border cooperation: “Collaboration and knowledge exchange will be key to driving innovation and achieving sustainability in the sector. We look forward to the strengthened partnership with Port of Antwerp-Bruges.”
The backdrop of the agreement couldn’t be more fitting. Both ports are at the heart of high-volume international shipping routes, and they face similar challenges—balancing efficiency, environmental compliance, and the integration of emerging technologies. “Our ports are intrinsically linked, which also means we share the same challenges,” said Johan Klaps, underlining the practical benefits of this collaboration.
As the maritime industry contends with pressure to clean up its carbon footprint and modernize its digital systems, partnerships like this one represent a blueprint rather than a buzzword.
