The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Netherlands-based Port of Rotterdam Authority on 20 April.
The MOU calls for the exchange of marine services information and a joint collaboration in research and development (R&D) projects.
The MOU was signed in Singapore between Andrew Tan, chief executive of MPA, and Allard Castelein, president and CEO of Port of Rotterdam Authority, to join R&D projects in areas of service efficiency and optimisation, as well as new developments in the maritime and port sectors.
Meanwhile, MPA also held the inaugural Port Authorities Roundtable (PAR) on 20 April, in conjunction with the 10th Singapore Maritime Week 2015. The closed-door event has attracted port authorities around the world such as Malaysia-based Port Klang Authority (PKA), South Korea-based Busan Port Authority (BPA), and Belgium-based Antwerp Port Authority (ARA).
The roundtable discussed areas of collaboration between the ports, and was a platform to share insights on best practices and pertinent issues, as well as network among the various port authorities.
“The inaugural PAR provides a suitable platform for port authorities to discuss how we can be better prepared for the evolving challenges posed by changing trade patterns, larger ships, and mega-alliances, as well as growing pressures on ports to meet the future needs of the maritime industry,” said Tan. “It also allows us to exchange best practices and new ideas, thereby providing more opportunities for future collaborations.”
Participants of the roundtable also had a spontaneous discussion on efforts to improve port safety, efficiency, sustainability, and the adoption of future-ready technology and infrastructure in ports.
This post was sourced from IHS Maritime 360: View the original article here.
