ABS and MPA Deepen Collaboration to Accelerate Maritime Innovation and Workforce Excellence

25 Mar 2025

The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) and the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) have renewed a multi-year Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to strengthen collaboration in research and development, talent development, workforce upskilling, support for startup maritime businesses, and regulatory alignment. This renewal, signed today, marks a comprehensive and future-oriented collaboration that continues to strengthen Singapore’s role as a global maritime hub while advancing ABS’ strategic initiatives in Singapore.

2. As part of the five-year arrangement, ABS will establish the ABS Singapore Maritime Safety Centre, a cutting-edge facility designed to provide immersive training for seafarers and maritime professionals, in support of the MPA’s Maritime Energy Training Facility (METF). ABS is investing USD$4.5 million in the centre, which is expected to create new employment opportunities for the region.

3. By employing the latest training techniques, including virtual reality and game-based training systems, the ABS Singapore Maritime Safety Centre can simulate realistic training scenarios with varying levels of complexity, without putting the vessel or crew at risk.

4. Maritime professionals and students will have the opportunity to learn and acquire skills in the safe handling of alternative fuels, such as ammonia and methanol, as well as the deployment of battery and electric propulsion systems at the Centre.

5. Christopher J. Wiernicki, ABS Chairman and CEO said: “The maritime industry’s transition to net zero demands not only innovation but also a workforce equipped to deliver all of the advances in technology and fuel without compromising safety. Through this expanded collaboration with MPA, ABS is committed to advancing research and development, nurturing talent, and delivering world-class training that empowers seafarers and shore-based professionals alike in the safe operation of next generation assets. Singapore’s leadership in maritime sustainability makes it the ideal partner for this critical mission. ABS is proud to support the transformational METF project and honoured to be selected as a partner.”

6. Mr Teo Eng Dih, Chief Executive of MPA, said: “The renewal of MPA’s MOU with ABS underscores our shared vision for a sustainable and future-ready maritime sector. By combining expertise in R&D, talent development and workforce training, we are strengthening Singapore as a global hub for maritime innovation and the upskilling of maritime professionals. MPA looks forward to our continued collaboration with ABS and the addition of the ABS Singapore Maritime Safety Centre to the METF suite of training capabilities.”

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