Nature Positive Role of the Ports Sector

As more and more vessels begin running on new zero- and near-zero-emission fuels such as methanol and ammonia, it is important for ports to develop emergency response planning to ensure safe bunkering of these fuels. The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA), together with industry partners and institutes of higher learning, has carried out several methanol bunkering exercises and trials involving an ammonia-fuelled vessel since 2023 in the Port of Singapore. This includes: 1) the ship-to-containership methanol bunkering operation for the Laura Maersk on 27 July 2023, 2) the ship-to-ship methanol bunkering operation for Stena Prosperous on 24 May 2024, 3) the simultaneous methanol bunkering and cargo operation (SIMOPS) on 27 May 2024 for Eco Maestro, and 4) two dual-fuelled ammonia fuel trials in March and May 2024 involving the Fortescue Green Pioneer. In preparation for these operations, MPA organized: 1) Hazard Identification Study (HAZID) and Hazards and Operability Study (HAZOP) workshops to develop prevention, control and mitigation methods, and 2) table-top exercises to review existing safety measures and standards, identify potential gaps and new safeguards as well as strengthen cross-agency coordination for an effective response to any incidents. During the operations, MPA also ensured that safety and emergency response measures were implemented by: –Establishing a safety zone –Positioning response vessels and customising firefighting programmes for all relevant stakeholders involved –Working with various research organizations and institutions to conduct environmental, metocean and safety risk modelling –Developing a plume model and deploying drones equipped with sensors and infrared camerasCASE STUDY 3 Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore The port sector is encouraged to commit to circular business models, maximizing material recycling and building efficient supply chains to scale its contribution to a nature-positive transition. The circular model, which abandons the traditional linear take/make/waste approach, can reduce the overall inputs of raw materials into the supply chain. It is also advantageous to increase productivity, reduce impacts on nature from waste and pollution, and significantly reduce dependency on natural resources. Recycled materials can be supplied to out-of-value-chain industries, such as construction. Integrated planning of industrial areas, as detailed in priority action 1, can further unlock the potential of the circular economy. Businesses should enhance their cross-sectoral collaboration in the following areas to achieve common goals and accelerate the nature-positive transition:3.4 Promote a circular economy and catalyse cross-sector collaboration in regulation, finance and innovationPriority action 4 Nature Positive: Role of the Port Sector 33