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CEO IN FOCUS tons of green methanol.” Hong Lam Marine also completed a SSA and its membership are focused on the evolving industry, study on the building of an ammonia bunker tanker, together driven by environmental concerns. “Our top three priorities with Pax Ocean and BV. this year are decarbonization, digitalization and workforce de-

Part of the investment in the future transcends technology velopment and training,” said Yang.

and includes attracting and retaining quali? ed crews. “The whole world is facing this challenge, as seafaring requires • SSA & Decarbonization sacri? ces: a long time away from home with patchy internet The need to reduce carbon emissions, improve energy ef- access at times and hard work,” said Yang. Added to the stress ? ciency, and adopt cleaner fuels are the current hurdles for the is less shore leave premised on security concerns and com- shipping industry, as the IMO goals for ships evolve toward to mercial pressure for quick port turnarounds. But Yang is an have net zero GHG emissions by 2050. “Operating in a future optimist, and she believes ? nding and keeping the talent you fuel ready Port of Singapore will play a vital role in our indus- need comes down to the basics. “Treating our seafarers fairly try’s transition to low to zero emission fuels and SSA works in terms of wages; making sure that the rotation is certain for closely with our port authorities and other related maritime the crew, meaning no overstay on board the ship (without organizations to relay our members’ concerns, participate in good reason); providing clarity of the various career paths, trials and lend our expertise in workgroup discussions on new because there are amazing career paths from ship to shore for safety standards,” said Yang. SSA also organizes forums to many positions. Most importantly, making sure that your ship support members’ efforts to comply with environmental reg- is properly built, well-maintained and you have safety sys- ulations and adopt sustainable practices. For example, SSA tems to protect the life and limb of each and every seafarer rolled out the “Operating a sustainable shipping business” – underpinned by value of care for people.” workshop for members to better understand ESG reporting in the maritime context. The newly inaugurated Decarbonization

Committee was set up to help the Singapore harbor craft in- dustry pivot towards sustainable practices, in order for all new

CAROLINE YANG: harbor craft operating in the port from 2030 onwards to be

THE SSA PRESIDENT fully electric, capable of using B100 biofuel or be compatible

Singapore Shipping Association (SSA) is a national trade with net zero fuels. association formed in 1985, today with a membership of 500 “Shipowners and operators are grappling with the adop- organizations, representing a broad array of shipping com- tion of decarbonization technologies such as alternative fuels, panies and other businesses allied to the shipping industry, emission reduction technologies, and exploring alternative including technology start-ups, to promote the maritime in- propulsion systems (e.g., wind-assisted propulsion, electric dustry’s digitalization push. Like most in the maritime space, propulsion),” said Yang. “The technical feasibility, scalability,

All photos courtesy Hong Lam Marine Pte Ltd. 26 Maritime Reporter & Engineering News • May 2024

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