PSA Singapore, Pacific International Lines expand collaboration to decarbonize global supply chain

Photo: Pacific International Lines

In a collective journey towards achieving net-zero greenhouse-gas (GHG) emissions, PSA Singapore (formerly known as the Port of Singapore Authority) and Pacific International Lines announced Nov. 1 that they have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to jointly develop sustainable solutions to cut carbon emissions and optimize maritime efficiency.

The collaboration between the two longtime partners includes the development of a set of low-carbon emission routes for containers shipped by Pacific International Lines via PSA Singapore.

Beyond the MOU, both partners are also cooperating in GHG emissions-reduction levers such as the use of reclaimed refrigerant and the adoption of PSA Singapore’s OptEVoyage, a digital solution for vessels to arrive at the port just in time to achieve bunker savings and carbon-emissions reduction.

PSA Singapore has extensive know-how and experience in container-port operations and managing cargo flows, and Pacific International Lines is the largest homegrown carrier in Southeast Asia with strong networks in Asia, Africa, the Middle East, Latin America and Oceania.

The two leaders in their respective fields, with a common goal to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, will leverage each other’s expertise, resources and innovation to work towards developing low-carbon pathways.

In April 2022, Pacific International Lines successfully conducted a biofuel trial using a blend of fatty acid methyl esters (FAME), also known as biodiesel, and very-low sulfur fuel oil (VLSFO).

Encouraged by the results, Pacific International Lines intends to trial another blend of biofuel on its Singapore Qinzhou Shuttle service as part of this MOU.

This trial will involve a blend of 24 percent FAME with VLSFO.

“Given the ever-increasing global challenges stemming from climate change, it is imperative that we take proactive steps to reduce carbon emissions throughout the shipping industry,” said Nelson Quek, PSA International’s regional CEO for Southeast Asia. “This will require the collective efforts of all players in the maritime supply-chain sector. PSA is pleased to partner Pacific International Lines as we take the bold and essential step towards decarbonizing the global supply chains that power our economy. We remain committed to working hand-in-hand with likeminded stakeholders as we spur concerted action towards our transition to a cleaner and sustainable future beyond the areas served by our ports.”

Abhishek Chawla, Pacific International Lines’ general manager of operations and procurement, added, “Pacific International Lines is delighted to partner with PSA Singapore in codeveloping sustainable shipping solutions for our common target of attaining net-zero emissions. As Pacific International Lines actively explores and invests in solutions to reduce emissions across our organization, we believe in the importance of collaborating with likeminded partners like PSA Singapore. Together, we can deliver a greener future for the shipping industry.”

PSA Singapore operates the world’s largest container transshipment hub in Singapore, handling 37 million 20-foot equivalent units of containers in 2022.