The Maritime Public Leaders Programme (MPLP), organized by the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA), took place from October 7th to 11th. In attendance was Acting Technical Manager, Mr. Thadrian Williams, from the Belize Port Authority. The program covered three main topics:
- Singapore’s Maritime Growth: Singapore, with no natural resources, leveraged its strategic location to become a global maritime leader. Key to its success has been strong governance and investments in technology, helping it become the world’s largest container transshipment hub and the largest publicly owned port.
- Decarbonization in the Shipping Industry: Singapore has been a pioneer in adopting green technologies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, including switching to natural gas for electricity generation and promoting sustainable marine fuels like hydrogen and ammonia. The country has been collaborating internationally to advance decarbonization in shipping, which poses challenges for developing nations like Belize.
- Digitalization of the Shipping Industry: Singapore has embraced digitalization with initiatives like DigitalPort@SG and Maritime 5G, enhancing port efficiency and security. Belize has also committed to digitalizing its ports through the Maritime Single Window system but faces challenges, including infrastructure investment, workforce training, and cybersecurity.
These discussions emphasized the importance of governance, innovation, and international collaboration in shaping the future of maritime industries.