Australia, Singapore partner on maritime hydrogen

Australia and Singapore have signed an agreement to collaborate on a A$30mn ($22.8mn) project to support the adoption of hydrogen and other low-carbon fuels and technology in the maritime sector, aiming to drive down emissions in shipping and port operations.

Australia is looking to work together with "partners around the world to make clean energy more affordable and reliable", Australian prime minister Scott Morrison said during a visit to Singapore last week.

The agreement with Singapore is part of the Australian government's A$565.8mn plan to build new international technology partnerships that make low-emission technologies cheaper and drive investment in Australia-based projects, which are expected to create up to 2,500 jobs.

The two countries, which previously signed an initial agreement on low-emission technologies and solutions, are actively looking to build infrastructure for clean hydrogen, clean ammonia and other hydrogen derivatives, especially in shipping and port operations. This is in line with the International Maritime Organization's goal to reduce CO2 emissions in the global shipping industry by at least 40pc by 2030 and by at least 70pc by 2050 compared with 2008 emission levels.

Singapore has so far invested in mainly LNG as an alternative bunker fuel but is actively supporting the maritime industry to develop other solutions such as biofuels, green ammonia, methanol and hydrogen. The port of Singapore is the world's largest bunkering hub, and the city-state is positioning itself as a leader in the race to decarbonise the maritime sector.

By Sammy Six