Beyond Horizons
Trailblazing Tales from Asia
Your exclusive gateway to the latest developments across transportation and space, and most importantly, how to finance it all - debt, equity, and defi! We follow and forecast where the money’s at.
Join us as we navigate through the latest roundup to uncover key developments across the region.
**Nothing in this article is intended to be or should be construed as legal or financial advice.**
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Aviation Supply Chain Integrity Coalition
The Aviation Supply Chain Integrity Coalition has released a report with 13 recommendations to prevent unapproved parts from entering the aerospace propulsion supply chain. The report organizes its suggestions into three main categories:
Strengthening Vendor Accreditation: Emphasizing the importance of using suppliers that meet FAA and international standards.
Digitizing Documents: Advocating for the digitization of key documents, such as FAA Form 8130 and EASA Form 1, along with expanded use of digital signatures.
Improving Part Traceability: Developing best practices for training, inspection, and managing non-usable materials, as well as establishing feedback channels for reporting suspected bad actors.
The recommendations stem from nine months of collaboration among coalition members, which included biweekly meetings and expert interviews. Notably, some coalition members have already begun implementing these recommendations. For instance, GE Aerospace has been digitizing records since 2015 and plans to pilot digital signatures in late 2024, while Boeing is testing a digitally signed version of the FAA 8130-3 certificate.
Preliminary Report of IMO MEPC 82
During the 82nd session of the IMO’s Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC 82), held from September 30 to October 4, 2024, amendments to MARPOL Annex VI were adopted. These amendments, effective March 1, 2026, include designating the Canadian Arctic and Norwegian Sea as Emission Control Areas (ECAs) with stricter emission limits. The Nusa Penida and Gili Matra Islands were also designated as Particularly Sensitive Sea Areas (PSSAs).
Access the preliminary report here.
Destination Net Zero: The Urgent Need for a Global Carbon Tax on Aviation and Shipping
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) paper highlights the urgent need for decarbonizing international aviation and maritime sectors, which could contribute 15 to 40 percent of global CO2 emissions by 2040. Implementing a pricing mechanism for these emissions could boost technological innovation and efficiency, facilitating a transition to net-zero emissions while potentially generating up to $200 billion annually by 2035 for climate finance. However, significant political challenges, particularly regarding revenue allocation and the impact on airline ticket prices, must be addressed. The paper also examines alternative pricing models, like 'fee and rebate' schemes, which have lower price impacts but yield less revenue. A new model is employed to analyze the effects on fuel use, emissions, revenues, production costs, and vulnerable states.
Green wings: India’s Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) revolution in the making
Deloitte India’s report, Green Wings: India’s Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) Revolution in the Making, estimates that India could produce 8–10 million tonnes of SAF annually by FY40, requiring investments of INR 6–7 lakh crore (approximately US$ 70–85 billion). This production could reduce carbon emissions by 20–25 million tonnes per year and exceed the projected domestic demand of 4.5 million tonnes by 2040.
The anticipated investments could create 1.1 to 1.4 million jobs and decrease crude oil import bills by US$ 5–7 billion annually, while also boosting farmers' incomes by 10–15 percent through the use of agricultural residue as feedstock. India's 230 million tonnes of agricultural residue will play a vital role in SAF production, especially using Alcohol-to-Jet (AtJ) technology.
With a 2–3 percent share in the global aviation turbine fuel market, India is well-positioned to meet the increasing global demand for SAF due to its favorable geography and cost structures. Collaborating with diverse feedstocks like agricultural residue and municipal waste can also foster innovative solutions.
Successful SAF adoption will require coordinated efforts among stakeholders, including clear demand roadmaps and a reliable supply of feedstock. Collaboration between airlines, SAF manufacturers, Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs), Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), and technology providers will help mitigate risks. Financial incentives, such as Production Linked Incentives (PLI) and tax breaks, will be essential to stimulate early investments and kick-start SAF initiatives in India.
Philippine Air Transport Infrastructure: A Policy Brief Update
The Philippine aviation industry is undergoing infrastructure modernization, but a new policy brief by The Arangkada Philippines Project (TAPP) emphasizes the urgent need for institutional reforms to ensure sustainable development. Key recommendations from the brief include:
Coherence in Airport Development: Enhancing collaboration among entities involved in airport development and separating regulatory from operational functions, particularly within the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP). This would allow CAAP to focus more effectively on its regulatory role.
Infrastructure Upgrades: Upgrading gateways to improve travel safety and ease, alongside sustained financial support for airports not included in public-private partnerships.
Investment in Safety: Prioritizing investments in national aviation safety management systems, addressing CAAP's identified challenges such as insufficient qualified inspectors and inadequate budgets.
Strengthening Regulatory Agencies: Reinforcing CAAP as a regulatory body, restoring its fiscal autonomy, and establishing a Philippine Transportation Safety Board for independent oversight.
Combating Illegal Operations: Developing policies to identify illegal charter operators and enhancing ramp inspections at airports.
Aircraft Financing: Ratifying the Cape Town Convention to improve aircraft finance and protect international interests.
Incentives for Competitiveness: Implementing competitive incentive schemes to attract international airlines.
Human Capital Development: Addressing the aviation talent brain drain by improving pay structures and benefits for professionals.
Sustainability in Aviation: Incorporating sustainable practices into long-term aviation development strategies, leveraging advancements in aircraft technology and sustainable aviation fuels.
Consultation Paper on Proposed Regulatory Approach, Regulations and Notices for Digital Token Service Providers issued under the Financial Services and Markets Act 2022
The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) has released a consultation paper on a proposed regulatory framework for Digital Token Service Providers (DTSPs), inviting public feedback until November 4, 2024. The framework aims to ensure compliance with international anti-money laundering (AML) and counter-terrorism financing (CFT) standards.
Key elements include:
Licensing: DTSPs must apply for a license, with MAS assessing their business model and financial viability. Licenses will only be granted to those with valid reasons for not operating in Singapore.
Ongoing Compliance: Licensed DTSPs must maintain a minimum capital of S$250,000 and adhere to strict AML/CFT obligations, including customer due diligence and transaction monitoring.
Technology and Cybersecurity: DTSPs are required to implement robust technology risk management practices and report significant IT security incidents to MAS.
Customer Disclosure: Transparency is essential, with DTSPs required to inform customers about the risks associated with digital token services and provide support at their business locations.
Once the framework is implemented, existing businesses offering digital token services outside Singapore will need to apply for a license or cease operations.
Access the consultation paper here.
Summary
Financing & Investments: Swift to Launch Live Trials for Digital Asset and Currency Transactions in 2025; Queensland Government Invests in Local Battery Manufacturing Industry; SpiceJet Shares Rise 8% After Settling $131.85 Million Dispute for $22.5 Million; Philippines Secures Funding from South Korea for Major Infrastructure Projects; Ho Chi Minh City to Transform Can Gio into a Coastal Urban Hub; VietJet Air Secures $8 Billion Engine Deal with CFM International; Serbia Signs $153 Million MoU with China for Nis Airport Modernization; and Hanwha Investment & Securities Acquires 5.4% Stake in Edinburgh Airport
Environmental Sustainability: ICAO and IRENA Partner to Boost Financing for SAF; CFTC, DOJ, and SEC Charge Carbon Credit Developer in First Fraud Case Involving Voluntary Carbon Credits; Hyundai Motor Group and NTU Forge Partnership for Hydrogen Energy Research; Mitsubishi Power Completes 5,300 MW Gas-Fired Power Plant Project in Thailand; Japan and ASEAN Aim for Common Decarbonization Rules at AZEC Summit; China Airlines Conducts First Freighter Flight Using Sustainable Aviation Fuel in Taiwan; and CarbonClick and SCB Group Collaborate to Streamline Carbon Offsetting for Airlines
Aviation: Qantas Ordered to Pay $100 Million for Misleading Consumers; CAAS and WAI-SG Sign MOU to Empower Women in Aviation; New SUSS Programme Offers Degree and Pilot Licence in Four Years; Adacel and ADB SAFEGATE Collaborate to Enhance Digital Air Traffic Control Solutions; Amadeus Partners with Mitra Travel and ClarityTTS to Launch Digital Platform for Non-IATA Agencies; Ground Team Red Launches Malaysia's First Electric Baggage Tractors; and France and India Launch New Aerospace Initiatives
Advanced Air Mobility: JAL to Operate eVTOL Services at Expo 2025 Osaka; Transgrid Trials Advanced Drone Technology for Bushfire Prevention; and South Korea Develops Drones to Intercept North Korean Balloons
Marine: Singapore and Shandong Launch Green and Digital Shipping Corridor; Hamburg and Singapore Ports Enhance Cooperation; South Korean Shipbuilders Secure Over 2 Trillion Won in Orders in Single Day; and Lloyd’s Register and India Establish Centre for Sustainable Maritime Transport
Space: China to Launch Quantum Communication Satellites in 2025; China Develops Innovative Rechargeable Battery for Mars Exploration; and UAE to Launch Asteroid Mission on Japanese H3 Rocket
Financing & Investments
Global
Swift is preparing to conduct live trials of digital asset and currency transactions in 2025, involving financial institutions across North America, Europe, and Asia. The trials aim to showcase Swift's capabilities in facilitating transactions that bridge digital assets and traditional currencies while addressing the challenge of fragmented digital platforms, often referred to as "digital islands."
The focus of the trials will include payments, foreign exchange (FX), and securities transactions, with the goal of creating an integrated system that accommodates both digital and fiat currency platforms. Swift has established partnerships with organizations such as the Hong Kong Monetary Authority and Banque de France and is involved in Project Agora, which seeks to merge tokenized commercial bank deposits and wholesale central bank digital currencies (CBDCs).
💡The company aims to ensure its network of over 11,500 financial institutions can safely handle both asset types, thereby facilitating seamless global transactions. The market for tokenized assets is projected to experience substantial growth, with estimates suggesting it could reach up to US$30 trillion by 2034.
Australia
The Queensland Government is investing $25 million in Energy Storage Industries Asia Pacific (ESI) to support the development of a local battery manufacturing industry. ESI has also secured an additional $40 million in private capital, which will be used to advance the construction of its Maryborough manufacturing facility, dedicated to assembling iron flow long-duration energy storage systems (LDES) using components from ESS Inc. Flow battery technology, capable of providing energy storage for up to 14 hours, is crucial for decarbonization and the increased generation of renewable energy.
ESI aims to produce 400 MW of energy storage annually by 2029, enough to power a city the size of Toowoomba each year. The project will source key battery components from local businesses in Queensland, further supporting the local economy and creating skilled jobs in the community. The first production of Australian-made grid-scale batteries is anticipated by the end of 2025.
💡Initial work has already started at the Maryborough site, which is expected to be fully operational by mid-2029, creating up to 273 full-time jobs.
India
SpiceJet Ltd shares rose 8% following the airline's announcement of a settlement with three lessors, managed by Babcock & Brown Aircraft Management, for $22.5 million, significantly lower than the original $131.85 million dispute. The settlement, one of the airline's largest financial agreements, aims to enhance its balance sheet and reduce liabilities. SpiceJet's stock price increased to Rs 67.98, marking a 92.14% rise over the past year.
💡The airline recently completed a Rs 3,000 crore capital raise through a qualified institutional placement (QIP), which received strong interest from institutional investors.
South Korea-Philippines
The Department of Finance (DOF) of the Philippines has secured funding from South Korea for three significant infrastructure projects aimed at enhancing mobility and stimulating economic growth in Luzon and Visayas.
💡The agreements, finalized on October 7 during South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol's state visit, include the ₱6.34 billion Samar Pacific Coastal Road II, which will construct two marine bridges and improve 15.011 kilometers of roads to reduce travel time between Laoang and Palapag from 65 minutes to 19 minutes by 2029. The second project, the ₱181.03 billion Laguna Lakeshore Road Network Phase 1, will feature 37.6 kilometers of roads and eight interchanges, supported by ₱50.61 billion from the Export-Import Bank of Korea-Economic Development Cooperation Fund (KEXIM-EDCF). Lastly, the ₱187.54 billion Panay-Guimaras-Negros Island Bridges Project will connect the islands with 32.47 kilometers of bridges, significantly cutting travel time.
Vietnam
Ho Chi Minh City has approved a development plan to transform Can Gio, its only coastal district, into a major urban and tourism hub, covering 2,870 hectares. The project is expected to attract $9 billion in private investment and create 25,000 jobs.
💡Strategically located near the UNESCO-designated Can Gio Mangrove Biosphere Reserve, the initiative will feature modern residential areas, resorts, and smart infrastructure, accommodating up to 230,000 residents. With a focus on sustainable tourism, the project aims to leverage the area's natural resources while preserving the environment. Accessibility challenges currently hinder Can Gio’s tourism growth, but new bridges are planned to improve connections to Ho Chi Minh City.
Vietnam
During Vietnam’s General Secretary To Lam’s state visit to France, VietJet Air reaffirmed its commitment to purchase over 400 LEAP-1B engines from CFM International, valued at $8 billion. The signing ceremony took place at the Élysée Palace, attended by President Macron and delegations from both countries. The engines will power VietJet's narrow-body fleet, with deliveries starting in 2025.
💡The LEAP engines provide 15-20% lower fuel consumption and CO2 emissions, supporting VietJet's sustainability goals. This deal strengthens trade relations between Vietnam and France, creates jobs, and enhances VietJet's position as a regional aviation hub through potential high-tech maintenance and training facilities.
China-Serbia
Serbia has signed an MoU with China Shandong International Economic & Technical Cooperation Group for the second phase of modernization at Constantine the Great Airport in Nis.
💡The project, valued at over $153 million, includes runway rehabilitation, expansion of the parking platform, construction of new taxiways, and a new control tower. Construction is expected to start soon and finish by 2027.
South Korea-Scotland
Hanwha Investment & Securities has announced the acquisition of a 5.4% stake in Edinburgh Airport, Scotland, from Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP) for approximately $93.5 million. Edinburgh Airport is co-owned by GIP (49.99%) and VINCI Airports (50.01%). The investment was presented as a co-investment opportunity for domestic institutional investors through a fund managed by Platform Partners Asset Management.
💡Edinburgh Airport serves over 150 destinations and 220 flight routes, primarily focusing on long-haul routes to Europe and the Americas.
Environmental Sustainability
Global
The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) have signed a landmark agreement to boost financing for sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) and cleaner aviation energy projects, aiming to achieve the aviation sector's net-zero carbon emissions goal by 2050. The Memorandum of Cooperation, signed at the G20 Energy Ministerial meeting, will help operationalize the ICAO Finvest Hub to scale up SAF, Lower Carbon Aviation Fuels (LCAF), and other clean energy solutions.
💡ICAO estimates that $3.2 trillion will be needed for cleaner fuel production and highlights its commitment to making clean aviation energy accessible through policy, regulatory support, and financing. IRENA will mobilize investment through its Energy Transition Accelerator Financing (ETAF) Platform. Both organizations will work together to drive global aviation decarbonization efforts and attract public and private capital for these projects.
USA
On October 2, 2024, the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), Department of Justice (DOJ), and Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) announced parallel prosecutions against carbon credit developer CQC Impact Investors LLC and its former officers for fraud related to inflated voluntary carbon credits (VCCs). CQC and former Chief Operating Officer (COO) Jason Steele settled with the CFTC, paying $1 million and agreeing to cease further violations, while the DOJ charged Steele, CQC founder Kenneth Newcombe, and former team head Ridip Goswami with conspiracy and fraud. The SEC also settled charges against CQC.
💡The cases emphasize the government's intent to combat fraud in VCC markets, highlighting the need for accurate data, internal controls, and compliance with anti-manipulation rules. The regulatory crackdown may lead to future private claims and stricter industry oversight.
Singapore-South Korea
Hyundai Motor Group has entered into a three-year research collaboration with Nanyang Technological University (NTU) in Singapore, focusing on hydrogen energy and advanced energy systems. The partnership aims to contribute to carbon neutrality efforts by developing alternative energy sources that leverage Hyundai's technologies, tailored to Singapore's unique needs.
💡Key research areas will include hydrogen production technologies, specifically Hyundai's Plastic-to-Hydrogen (P2H) and Waste-to-Hydrogen (W2H) systems, which convert non-recyclable plastics and organic waste into hydrogen. The partnership also emphasizes developing advanced energy systems designed for urban environments, focusing on easy installation and safety. Moreover, a joint research center will be established with NTU and A*STAR, aiming to explore innovative manufacturing technologies like AI, robotics, and 3D printing.
Thailand-Japan
Mitsubishi Power has successfully completed the final M701JAC unit of a 5,300 MW natural gas-fired power plant project in Thailand, marking the project's full commercial operations on October 1, 2024. The joint venture with Gulf Energy Development Public Company Limited and Mitsui & Co., Ltd. includes two gas turbine combined cycle (GTCC) plants located in Chonburi and Rayong Provinces, crucial for technological manufacturing.
The project, awarded in 2018, features four M701JAC gas turbines per plant, steam turbines, and heat recovery steam generators. The initial phase at the Chonburi plant was notable for being Mitsubishi Power's first J-Series Air-Cooled (JAC) gas turbine installation in Southeast Asia in 2021.
💡Mitsubishi Power will maintain the facilities under a Long Term Service Agreement, ensuring peak performance aligned with a 25-year power purchase agreement with the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand.
Japan-ASEAN
Japan and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) plan to establish common rules to promote decarbonization across Asia, as outlined in a joint leaders statement for the Asia Zero Emission Community (AZEC) summit in Laos, chaired by Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba. The statement emphasizes the need for simultaneous climate action, economic growth, and stable energy supply, while acknowledging Asia's reliance on coal-fired power, among other topics.
💡The summit also promoted cooperation in challenging sectors such as agriculture, forestry, transport, and sustainable aviation fuel technology, leveraging Japan's technological capabilities through development assistance and innovative energy solutions.
Taiwan
China Airlines has successfully completed the first freighter flight in Taiwan using SAF. The flight, CI5705, traveled from Tokyo's Narita International Airport to Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport on October 8. The milestone follows the airline's prior use of SAF for ferry flights during new aircraft deliveries in 2017 and the first passenger flight using SAF last year.
💡China Airlines recently signed an MoU with Morrison Express Corporation, making them the first company to join its SAF partnership program. The airline has also initiated various sustainability efforts, including e-Cargo services, eco-friendly pallet materials, and computerized apron operations to reduce paper waste and loading errors.
New Zealand
CarbonClick, a New Zealand carbon offset provider, has partnered with SCB Group, a low-carbon commodity leader, to offer a streamlined solution for airlines to assess and offset their carbon emissions. The collaboration will provide a range of carbon credits, including sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) certificates and CORSIA-compliant offsets, enabling airlines to meet both regulatory and voluntary targets.
💡Utilizing advanced technology, the partnership will help airlines integrate carbon offsetting into passenger, employee, and corporate travel operations. SCB customers will benefit from CarbonClick's robust platform, offering tools for project selection, real-time reporting, and analytics to facilitate effective climate action.
Aviation
Australia
Qantas has been ordered by the Federal Court to pay $100 million in penalties for misleading consumers by selling tickets for flights it had already canceled and failing to promptly notify affected passengers. The airline admitted to violating the Australian Consumer Law (ACL) and acknowledged its role in misleading customers about over 82,000 flights between May 2022 and May 2024.
In addition to the penalties, Qantas will pay approximately $20 million to affected consumers who booked canceled flights. Domestic passengers will receive $225, while international passengers will get $450, on top of any previous remedies like refunds. Nearly 880,000 consumers were impacted by these practices, with delays in cancellation notifications averaging 11 days.
💡Qantas has made changes to its operational systems to prevent such conduct from occurring in the future and cooperated with the ACCC throughout the investigation. The ACCC emphasizes that this case serves as a warning to businesses that misleading customers will result in serious consequences.
Singapore
The Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) and the Women in Aviation Singapore Chapter (WAI-SG) has signed an MOU to encourage girls and young women to pursue careers in aviation. The agreement, signed at the WAI-SG Gala Dinner 2024, outlines initiatives such as co-developing aviation-related activities, creating educational resources, and supporting leadership opportunities for women in the sector.
💡With Singapore's aviation industry set for significant growth, especially with the upcoming Changi Airport Terminal Five, the partnership aims to build a stronger pipeline of female talent and promote gender diversity in aviation.
Singapore
The Singapore University of Social Sciences (SUSS) and Singapore Flying College have launched a new part-time programme allowing aspiring pilots to earn both a bachelor's degree and a commercial pilot licence in four years, two years faster than the usual process. Students can choose from majors such as business analytics, finance, and human resource management while undergoing pilot training.
💡The first cohort of 25 students will begin in July 2025, with applications open until March 2025.
Singapore
Adacel has signed a collaboration agreement with ADB SAFEGATE to integrate their technologies, including ADB SAFEGATE’s OneControl and Integrated Controller Working Position (ICWP) with Adacel’s REVAL Digital and Remote Tower platform. A major focus is the Integrated Digital Tower System (IDTS) program with the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS), which seeks to modernize air traffic management in Singapore.
💡Both companies are committed to advancing global aviation technology and next-generation air traffic solutions.
Malaysia
Amadeus has joined forces with Mitra Travel and ClarityTTS to develop a digital travel platform specifically for non-IATA travel agencies in Malaysia. The platform will enable agents to access both air and non-air content from a single interface, enhancing operational efficiency and customer service. Key features include real-time availability, integrated payment solutions, and robust support from Mitra Travel.
💡The initiative aims to level the playing field for smaller agencies by providing them with sophisticated booking tools and competitive rates traditionally available only to IATA-accredited agents.
Malaysia
Ground Team Red Sdn Bhd (GTR) has officially launched its first fleet of 20 electric vehicle (EV) baggage tractors at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA). The initiative marks the largest deployment of electric vehicles in Malaysia's aviation industry and is part of a planned rollout of 60 units. The new EV tractors are expected to reduce carbon emissions by 67%, eliminating approximately 7,200 tons of CO₂ over the next 84 months. The transition is also projected to cut operational costs by 43.5%, saving MYR 5.97 million ($1.39 million) during the same period.
💡GTR plans to further explore additional electric ground service equipment and green energy sources to support Malaysia's goal of achieving net zero emissions by 2050.
India-France
French Ambassador to India Thierry Mathou has announced plans for an aeronautics cluster and an Indo-French campus for aeronautics and space training during a GIFAS conference in New Delhi. He noted that 55% of French exports to India, amounting to 2.7 billion euros in early 2024, are in the aeronautical sector.
Mathou emphasized the partnership’s focus on decarbonizing transport and developing SAF. Civil Aviation Minister K. Rammohan Naidu expressed interest in building a robust SAF supply chain.
💡The event featured over 100 representatives from 60 French aerospace companies, including Airbus CEO Guillaume Faury, who announced increased sourcing from India. GIFAS aims to enhance collaboration in training, innovation, and sustainability, aligning with India’s 'Make in India' initiative.
Advanced Air Mobility
Japan
Japan Airlines (JAL) has been selected to manage the "Future Society Showcase Project Exhibition," the "Smart Mobility Expo," and "Advanced Air Mobility" displays at Expo 2025 in Osaka, Kansai. In this role, JAL will introduce electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft to facilitate eco-friendly transportation within and around the Expo venue, enhancing visitor experiences and showcasing Japan's commitment to innovative mobility solutions.
💡To support the initiative, JAL has transferred its eVTOL operations to Soracle Corporation, a joint venture with Sumitomo Corporation. Soracle will oversee the development and management of eVTOL air transport services at the Expo, while JAL retains a shareholder role, providing ongoing support for the initiative.
Australia
Transgrid has launched a trial of advanced drone technology to inspect its high-voltage transmission network in New South Wales (NSW) and the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) as part of its bushfire prevention efforts. The trial utilizes Carbonix's long-range hybrid drones equipped with LiDAR technology to conduct 3D-laser surveys of vegetation around transmission easements, enhancing timely vegetation management and improving network efficiency. The trial will also evaluate the impact of drones on reducing noise and disturbance for landowners, livestock, and wildlife. Transgrid plans to incorporate the drone technology into its annual LiDAR surveys starting in 2025.
💡The drones can cover distances of up to 500 kilometers in a single mission at a speed of 90 km/h while flying below 400 feet, significantly reducing operational costs and CO2 emissions. The use of drones could eliminate the need for 185 hours of traditional LiDAR inspections conducted by crewed aircraft, resulting in a reduction of over 12 tonnes of CO2 emissions.
South Korea
South Korea is developing unmanned aerial drones to intercept North Korean trash balloons, which may carry biological or chemical weapons, states South Korean media. The initiative, led by Jeonbuk National University's Defense Research Institute, involves collaboration with various defense companies and research institutions. A policy proposal will be submitted to the government next month to address the security threats posed by these balloons, which have exceeded 5,500 in number since May.
💡The drones will include multi-copters for capturing balloons and VTOL drones for affected areas, equipped with radiation detectors and robotic arms. Development is expected to take three years with a budget of 10 billion won. Despite concerns over the immediate threat of North Korean balloons, the plan aims to deploy drones as a border defense once technology is commercialized, with a focus on securing funding for national emergency responses.
Marine
Singapore-China
The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) and the Shandong Provincial Transport Department have inked an MoU to establish a green and digital shipping corridor (GDSC), enhancing sustainable maritime trade between Singapore and China’s Bohai and Yellow Sea regions. The agreement was made during the 25th Singapore-Shandong Business Council meeting.
The corridor aims to leverage Singapore's position as a major bunkering hub and Shandong’s port network, focusing on eco-friendly and digital shipping solutions. The MoU promotes collaboration among stakeholders, including maritime companies and research institutes, to advance low-carbon technologies and streamline port operations.
💡The GDSC is the second between Singapore and China, following the Singapore-Tianjin GDSC launched in 2023. Recent interest from Japan has led to plans for a Japan-Singapore corridor. Singapore MPA is also partnering with Imperial College London to further innovations in zero-carbon shipping.
Singapore-Germany
The Hamburg Port Authority (HPA) and the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) signed a letter of intent last month, to strengthen collaboration in digitalisation, decarbonisation, and cybersecurity.
💡The partnership aims to improve the maritime industry's safety, sustainability, and efficiency. Key goals include joint pilot projects for more efficient port operations, sharing insights on zero-emission fuels, and enhancing cybersecurity measures. Hamburg Invest and Enterprise Singapore has also established a joint work plan focusing on transport and logistics.
South Korea
On October 2, three major South Korean shipbuilders—HD Korea Shipbuilding, Hanwha Ocean, and Samsung Heavy Industries—secured shipbuilding orders exceeding 2 trillion won in a single day, marking the first occurrence of such a milestone since 2008.
💡Hanwha Ocean received a 545.4 billion won order for one LNG-FSRU (Floating Storage and Regasification Unit) from an Asian shipowner. HD Korea Shipbuilding signed contracts totaling 881.4 billion won to build two ultra-large ethane carriers, two liquefied petroleum gas carriers, and one LNG bunkering vessel. Meanwhile, Samsung Heavy Industries secured a 678.3 billion won contract to build two LNG carriers for an Asian shipowner.
India
Lloyd’s Register (LR) has partnered with India’s Directorate General of Shipping to create the Indian Ocean Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Maritime Transport (IOCE-SMarT) at the Maritime Training Institute (MTI) in Mumbai. The center aims to enhance the maritime sector in India and South Asia through technological innovation, sustainable practices, and industry collaboration.
💡LR will assist in strategic planning and stakeholder engagement to position India and its BIMSTEC partners as leaders in sustainable maritime transport. The initiative will facilitate research and development, leveraging MTI's resources and government support for effective implementation.
Space
China
China is set to launch two to three quantum communication satellites into low Earth orbit (LEO) next year, according to Chinese media. A satellite for medium Earth orbit will follow in 2027. The initiatives aim to enhance quantum relay technologies and establish a quantum communications network within five to six years.
💡The new satellites will build on the success of the Mozi satellite, launched in 2016, which demonstrated quantum key distribution. China has also developed the Beijing-Shanghai Quantum Communication Backbone and tested quantum technologies with the Jinan-1 satellite. The upcoming satellites will improve integration with ground-based networks for broader coverage.
China
Researchers from the University of Science and Technology of China have developed a lightweight, rechargeable battery designed for Mars exploration, capable of utilizing the Martian atmosphere as a fuel source. Current Mars rovers primarily rely on lithium-ion batteries, solar panels, and nuclear batteries. The new battery aims to serve as an additional power source, improving the energy supply for rovers like China's Zhurong and other exploration devices.
The battery can operate in extreme temperature variations on Mars, where temperatures can fluctuate by up to 60 degrees between day and night. It can run for over 1,350 hours at zero degrees Celsius (32°F) and functions similarly to a fuel cell, converting gases like carbon dioxide, oxygen, and carbon monoxide from the Martian atmosphere into electrical energy.
💡The design eliminates the need to transport fuel to Mars, significantly reducing the weight of the battery. The researchers plan to advance the technology further, focusing on developing solid-state Mars batteries that address challenges related to low pressures and thermal management systems for future missions.
Japan-UAE
The United Arab Emirates Space Agency (UAESA) has selected Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) to launch its Emirates Mission to the Asteroid Belt (EMA) using a Japanese H3 rocket in early 2028. The MBR Explorer spacecraft will fly by six main belt asteroids between 2030 and 2033 before rendezvousing with a seventh asteroid, Justitia, in 2034, where it will deploy a lander.
MHI aims to enhance its H3 launch operations, which have seen two successful flights this year after a failed inaugural launch in 2023. The company is looking to increase the H3's launch rate from six to eight missions annually.
💡This marks the third mission for which the UAE has chosen MHI as the launch provider, following the Emirates Mars Mission in 2020 and KhalifaSat in 2018. UAESA has been tight-lipped about the MBR Explorer's development, providing no updates since a mission concept review in July.
**Nothing in this article is intended to be or should be construed as legal or financial advice.**