Singapore and Norway Strengthen Ties

The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) and the Norwegian Ministry of Trade, Industry and Fisheries have signed an agreement to further cooperation. 

The agreement was signed by MPA Chief Executive, Andrew Tan and Norway’s State Secretary Dilek Ayhan. It covers commercial and industrial cooperation as well as research in sustainable energy technology, offshore and marine engineering, maritime operations and info-communications technology. 

“Norway and Singapore are on the right path,” says CEO of the Norwegian Shipowners’ Association, Sturla Henriksen. “Together we can be at the forefront when it comes to developing tomorrow’s sustainable solutions in the maritime industry and the oceans.”

Around 80 percent of the 250 Norwegian companies operating in Singapore are in the fields of maritime or offshore. 

In education, a Bachelor of Science in Maritime Studies and Master of Science in Maritime Studies are jointly conducted by BI Norwegian School of Management and the Nanyang Technological University (NTU). 

Singapore's maritime sector now contributes seven percent to Singapore’s GDP and employs more than 170,000 people. It is one of the busiest ports and transhipment hubs in the world and a leading international maritime center. Bunker sales reached a record high of 45.2 million tons last year, with the strong growth continuing in 2016.