A message from Sandra Jensen Landi, Ambassador of Denmark to Singapore

Singapore with one of the world’s busiest ports, and Denmark having one of the world’s largest shipping fleets. Our countries are small open econo­mies, which have prospered by rely­ing on free international trade. It is no surprise that the maritime ties between Singapore and Denmark are strong and have the potential to grow further. With Singapore’s strategic location and world-class business environment, Sin­gapore is a ‘home away from home’ for the Danish maritime fleet.

Now we are facing a new and chal­lenging chapter in our joint maritime his­tory, as we need to find ways to turn this blue sector green.

Singapore and Denmark have set ambitious goals for decarbonizing the maritime industry by 2050. The green transition is probably one of the great­est challenges the maritime sector has ever faced, but it is necessary for our climate and for the world that we are handing over to the next generations. The maritime industry plays a large and important part in solving this challenge together with governments.

Moving the maritime sector from oil-based fuels to green fuels is a large and long-term undertaking. While we work on developing the needed technologies and supplies, we can also take immedi­ate action on reducing the energy con­sumed.

Energy efficiency is a Danish strong­hold, and Danish companies are al­ready developing new technologies and digital solutions that are more energy efficient and ready to be de­ployed. Some examples are ultrasonic transducers that prevent hull growth and smooth coatings that reduce drag resistance that both enable more ef­ficient operation, as well as digital so­lutions helping vessel owners operate their vessels more efficiently.

The theme for Singapore Maritime Week 2023 is ‘Ambition meets Action’. I cannot think of a timelier theme and I look forward to a week with fruitful de­bates on how we turn our great ambi­tions into concrete plans.

If you would like inspiration for im­mediate action with concrete technolo­gies and solutions, please stop by the Danish Company Pavilion at Sea Asia.