The challenge
Global pressures and industry expectations
ASLET is supported by the Australian and Singaporean governments and is co-delivered by CSIRO with MPA Singapore
Maritime and port operations are vital to global trade, but they’re also significant sources of greenhouse gas emissions. As the world moves towards net zero, the sector faces growing pressure to reduce its environmental impact while maintaining safety, reliability and economic sustainability.
Australia and Singapore are uniquely positioned to play a significant role in this transition. Singapore is the world’s largest bunkering and transshipment hub, while Australia has the potential to become a major producer and exporter of low emissions fuels.
Together, we have an opportunity to shape the future of clean maritime transport — supporting industry innovation, strengthening bilateral ties, and contributing to global decarbonisation efforts.
Our response
Maritime innovation for a net zero future
Through the Australia–Singapore Low Emissions Technologies (ASLET) initiative, CSIRO and the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) are co-delivering a program supporting applied research, pilot and demonstration projects.
These projects focus on advancing low emissions technologies for maritime and port operations - including hydrogen, ammonia and methanol fuels, electrification, and environmental monitoring.
CSIRO is also developing a national testbed for ammonia-fuelled energy systems at our Newcastle site, which will support safe, scalable deployment of clean fuel technologies. This facility will be available to industry and research partners from 2026.
ASLET is backed by $20 million in funding from the Australian and Singaporean governments and aligns with broader bilateral government initiatives such as the Green and Digital Shipping Corridor and Green Economy Agreement. By combining scientific expertise, industry collaboration and strategic investment, ASLET is helping to accelerate the shift to low emissions maritime operations across the region.
The results
Realising the potential of low emissions technologies
ASLET has provided funding to support applied research, pilot and demonstration projects that will contribute to reduced cost, increased safety and accelerated uptake of low emission technologies for maritime and port operations.
Projects funded under the ASLET grant opportunity with Australian project leads are:
| Title | Project Lead | Project Partner | Details | Duration | Total Grant Amount | Total Project Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ammonia safety training program for maritime and port operations | University of Tasmania | TasRex Pty Ltd, CSIRO | This project will design, develop and pilot a safety and training program on the use of ammonia as a fuel for maritime and port personnel. | 15 Mar 2025 - 14 Aug 2026 | $860,716 | $1,721,597 |
| Green methanol link – A supply chain study for the maritime industry | Hyfuel Solar Refinery Pty Ltd | A pre-feasibility study that will inform the uptake of e-methanol in short-sea vessels by assessing technical, infrastructure, regulatory and commercial readiness. | 3 Mar 2025 - 15 Oct 2025 | $700,000 | $1,400,000 | |
| Hydrogen fuel production from an integrated liquid organic hydrogen carrier system suitable for maritime and port applications | OneH2 Australia Pty Ltd | CSIRO | This project will develop and demonstrate a modular hydrogen separation, purification and compression system based on liquid organic hydrocarbons. | 15 Mar 2025 - 14 Aug 2027 | $2,150,653 | $4,301,306 |
| Aus electric ferry project | Aus Ships Pty Ltd | This project will develop and demonstrate the viability and benefits of a fully electric 50-100 passenger ferry. | 1 Mar 2025 - 31 Jan 2027 | $2,014,000 | $4,370,664 | |
| A digital environmental and safety analysis tool to support uptake of Scalable Zero Emission Fuels (SZEFs) in the Australia-Singapore shipping corridor | RightShip Pty Ltd | University of Tasmania, Pilbara Ports | This project will develop a cloud-based digital analysis tool to support adoption and safe deployment of low emissions fuels in maritime and port operations. | 14 Mar 2025 - 31 Mar 2027 | $675,000 | $1,350,000 |
For information on projects with Singaporean leads visit MPA Singapore or contact mint@mpa.gov.sg
ASLET grant applications are closed
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