MOWCA, Singapore in talks for port modernisation, greener shipping pact

The Maritime Organisation of West and Central Africa (MOWCA) has commenced strategic talks with Singapore’s Maritime and Port Authority (MPA) to deepen cooperation on port modernisation, capacity building, and the transition to greener shipping among its member states.
During a bilateral meeting in Singapore, MOWCA’s Secretary General, Dr. Paul Adalikwu, met with the Chief Executive of the MPA, Ang Wee Keong, where he sought Singapore’s expertise in port infrastructure, digitalisation, and environmentally sustainable shipping practices.
Adalikwu said MOWCA was keen to draw from Singapore’s globally acclaimed port model to replicate similar standards across West and Central African ports.
“We are seeking closer working ties and the expertise of Singaporean authorities in areas such as human capital development, infrastructural upgrade and maintenance, and cargo handling,” he stated.
He further emphasised the importance of digitalisation in achieving efficiency at ports, advocating for a maritime single window system and harmonised documentation processes to ease import and export procedures.
According to him, “There is a need for harmonisation and single document submission for seamless end-to-end processing of import and export procedures in ports.”
On environmental sustainability, Adalikwu reaffirmed MOWCA’s commitment to the International Maritime Organisation’s (IMO) target of achieving net-zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by or around 2050, stressing that the organisation has set advisory timelines for member states to align with the goal.
“MOWCA is planning to reduce emissions by at least 20 per cent before 2030, and a technical collaboration with the Singaporean Maritime and Ports Authority would be helpful in achieving compliance with the IMO target by MOWCA states,” he said.
Adalikwu noted that a modernised port system capable of delivering efficient services is critical to driving the blue economy agenda at both national and sub-regional levels.
In his remarks, Keong commended MOWCA’s initiative and reaffirmed Singapore’s readiness to support the region’s maritime development ambitions.
“We appreciate your visit and express our willingness to collaborate with MOWCA on all requested areas. We are optimistic about the rapid maritime development of partnering MOWCA countries,” Keong stated.
Both sides agreed to reconvene in London later this year for the formal signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that will outline the modalities for technical cooperation between the two organisations.
As part of the partnership gesture, Adalikwu also pledged the support of MOWCA’s 25 member states toward Singapore’s IMO Council seat in the forthcoming elections.