Ports of Melbourne and PTP sign sustainability partnership

The Port of Melbourne and Port of Tanjung Pelepas (PTP) have announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate on sustainability, innovation, and inclusivity in port operations.

Ports of Melbourne and PTP sign sustainability partnership

The signing took place during the Australia at ASEAN Business Mission Reception in conjunction with the ASEAN Business and Investment Summit in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

The MoU was exchanged between Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim last night at the 47th ASEAN Summit.

As acknowledged by Prime Minister Albanese at the MoU exchange ceremony, “It’s good that we’ve had all of those MoUs witnessed here today that will lead to further development”.

The MoU outlines a shared commitment to advancing green and sustainable practices, promoting the decarbonisation of operational activities, and enhancing social responsibility and governance.

The collaboration will be anchored in three key pillars:

Maritime emissions and port operations: Joint efforts in research and development, exchange of best practices, and support for international collaboration to reduce maritime emissions and improve operational efficiency.

Alternative fuels: Cooperation in exploring and developing alternative fuel solutions, including infrastructure development, policy alignment, and knowledge sharing to accelerate the transition to low-emission energy sources.

Social inclusiveness: Initiatives to promote inclusive employment practices, training programmes, and employee engagement strategies that foster diversity and equity across the maritime workforce.

Port of Melbourne Chief Executive Officer, Saul Cannon, said: “This MoU reflects our commitment to being a future-focused port. We are proud to work alongside PTP to drive meaningful change in the maritime sector and support the decarbonisation of the global supply chain.”

PTP Chief Executive Officer, Mark Hardiman, said: “As we mark 25 years of PTP’s growth and evolution, this MoU with Port of Melbourne underscores our belief that meaningful progress in sustainability must be grounded in partnership.

“It is through shared frameworks, joint action and mutual respect that we will achieve tangible results in decarbonising port operations and advancing collaboration.”

The partnership between Port of Melbourne and PTP began in June 2023, facilitated by the Australian Government’s Partnerships for Infrastructure (P4I) initiative through the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT).

Simon Cramp, Strategic Director, Partnerships for Infrastructure, stated: “By creating trusted spaces for technical dialogue and peer exchange, Port of Melbourne and Port of Tanjung Pelepas, as industry leaders, are turning shared ambition into a practical partnership that advances greener, smarter maritime operations across the region.

“Facilitating Australian–Southeast Asian partnerships is core to Partnerships for Infrastructure’s approach, and we’re thrilled to have played a part in the evolution of this MoU.”

Cannon added: “This collaboration underscores Port of Melbourne’s alignment with government priorities and our role in supporting Australia’s international engagement.

“We look forward to deepening our relationship with PTP and continuing to explore opportunities that support sustainable growth, innovation, and shared prosperity across the region.”

Earlier this week, PTP successfully issued its inaugural green sukuk, reinforcing its commitment to sustainability and responsible investment.