DNV: Powering Singapore’s journey into a smart and sustainable future in International Shipping News 01/04/2026 As a leading global maritime hub, Singapore is driving innovation to prepare its maritime sector for the challenges of the future. DNV has been instrumental in supporting these efforts, providing crucial expertise in decarbonization, digitalization, technology, and talent development. Singapore owes its role as the world’s largest transshipment hub not only to its privileged location at the intersection of major sea routes but also to its long-standing policy of fostering a business-friendly environment and providing state-of-the-art infrastructure. According to the 2024 Leading Maritime Cities report published jointly by DNV and Menon Economics, Singapore continues to be the world’s leading maritime city, followed by Rotterdam and London. Building a smart maritime nation through advanced technical and digital capabilities The ambition of the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) and Maritime Singapore – the umbrella name of the city’s maritime ecosystem – doesn’t stop there. Singapore is pursuing a bold innovation strategy, investing in the green transformation and digital technologies, and has taken a leading position in the maritime energy transition. The MPA’s Maritime Singapore Decarbonisation Blueprint: Working Towards 2050 documents a comprehensive sustainability strategy. “Singapore aspires to become a ‘smart maritime nation’ with strong capabilities across all areas of expertise,” explains Dr Shahrin Osman, Director, Maritime Decarbonization and Smart Shipping Centre of Excellence, DNV Maritime Advisory. “To realize this ambition, Singapore depends on the availability of advanced technical and digital knowledge, practical experience, and skilled professionals.” DNV helps to advance Maritime Singapore’s transition DNV has been a partner to the MPA and Maritime Singapore for many years, providing crucial support to the local maritime industry in multiple ways. DNV’s Maritime Decarbonization and Smart Shipping Centre of Excellence (CoE), established in 2021, cooperates closely with the MPA and other maritime stakeholders, delivering expert advisory and data analytics services with a focus on digitalization, decarbonization, and smart shipping. Drawing on DNV’s global resources, the CoE brings its knowledge and experience into the local context and helps Singapore-based organizations get future-ready, says Osman. For example, DNV has been commissioned by a number of stakeholders to produce reports and feasibility studies to help accelerate decarbonization efforts in Singapore and the greater region. Additionally, in 2025, DNV signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Singapore Shipping Association (SSA) to advance ESG and sustainability initiatives in Singapore’s maritime sector, with a strong focus on small and medium enterprises. “Through strong collaboration with industry partners such as DNV and the wider Maritime Singapore ecosystem, MPA is advancing digitalization, decarbonization, and innovation to realize our vision of a future-ready global hub port and competitive international maritime centre,” said Ng Yi Han, Director, Innovation, Technology & Talent Development / Chief Transformation Officer, Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore. Partnerships for a smart, sustainable, and future-ready maritime sector In November 2025, the MPA and DNV renewed their MoU, reaffirming their partnership for t