MPA strikes deal with its Korean counterpart

MOU provides opportunities against Asian piracy threat and promotion and enhancement of navigational safety.

The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) and the Ministry of Land, Transport and Maritime Affairs (MLTM), Republic of Korea, have signed on Monday a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to further cement the excellent relations between Singapore and the Republic of Korea in the maritime domain, and to facilitate even closer co-operation between MPA and MLTM.

This MOU provides a platform for both MPA and MLTM to enhance their collaborative efforts in the maritime field to promote the safety of navigation and the protection of the marine environment. Its scope includes cooperation in international forums such as the International Maritime Organization (IMO), the Regional Cooperation Agreement on Combating Piracy and Armed Robbery against Ships in Asia (ReCAAP) and the Co-operative Mechanism for Safety of Navigation and Environmental Protection in the Straits of Malacca and Singapore. MPA and MLTM would also share maritime technical expertise through forums, workshops and seminars.

Following the signing of the MOU, MPA’s Chief Executive Lam Yi Young is confident that it will bolster further exchanges between both parties. “This MOU is not only a reflection of the current close cooperation between MPA and MLTM, but is also a new milestone for both sides as we seek to further enhance our cooperation in promoting safety of navigation, protection of the marine environment, and maritime and port security,” says Mr Lam.

Mr Lim Ki-Tack, Director-General for Maritime Safety of MLTM says the MOU marks yet another milestone in MPA and MLTM’s relations. “As IMO Council member states, the Republic of Korea and Singapore have made great contributions to the international community to ensure maritime safety and the development of the shipping industry. This MOU provides opportunities to pursue cooperation beyond the IMO, including ReCAAP-based cooperation against the threat of piracy in Asia as well as the promotion and enhancement of navigational safety in the Straits of Malacca and Singapore," says Mr Lim.

Singapore shares warm and friendly bilateral maritime relations with the Republic of Korea. In particular, the Republic of Korea is an important user State of the Straits of Malacca and Singapore and has participated actively in the Co-operative Mechanism, which was launched in 2007 by the three littoral States of Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore, arising from the IMO's "Protection of Vital Shipping Lanes" initiative. Singapore and ROK share a common objective of ensuring that the Straits of Malacca and Singapore remain safe, secure and open to international shipping.  Singapore and the ROK, together with 14 other countries, are Contracting Parties to the ReCAAP, a framework for information sharing, capacity building and co-operative arrangements to tackle piracy.   As members of the IMO Council, Singapore and the Republic of Korea also work closely on issues affecting international shipping.