Above photo: NTU and SMI launch research centre to develop sustainable energy and maritime solutions/ Credit: NTU (from NTU’s Twitter page)
At the annual Singapore Maritime Institute (SMI) Forum on October 31, several initiatives were launched to deepen research capabilities for a stronger maritime innovation ecosystem.
SMI is a joint effort by the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA), the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) and the Economic Development Board (EDB) in partnership with local Institutes of Higher Learning (IHLs). SMI charts maritime research strategy and promotes greater industry-academia R&D collaborations to be undertaken in Singapore.
NTU and SMI launch S$15 million research centre to develop sustainable energy and maritime solutions
Chairman of the Board and Governing Council of SMI, Mr. Wong Weng Sun announced the establishment of the new Maritime Energy and Sustainable Development (MESD) centre of excellence by Nanyang Technological University (NTU). Guest-of-Honour, Senior Minister of State for Transport and Health, Dr. Lam Pin Min, witnessed the signing of the agreement between NTU and SMI at the event.
MESD will be operational by the end of this year and it will focus on future port and shipping applications in three key areas – energy management, emissions management, and sustainable maritime operations.
The centre will be jointly funded by SMI up to S$10 million, with NTU contributing S$4 million. Another S$1 million will come from NTU’s industry partners.
Professor Lam Khin Yong, NTU’s Acting Provost, Chief of Staff and Vice President for Research, said, “Most international trade and key economic activities depend on the movement of goods that involve ships using heavy fuel oil and other fossil fuels. This partnership will see the development of greener solutions for the shipping industry so as to cut down emissions for a more sustainable maritime industry. It will also groom future maritime researchers who will continue to push the boundaries of innovation.”
MoU between Jurong Port and NTU to testbed energy solutions for ‘Next Generation Multipurpose Port’ under Living Lab programme
NTU signed a five-year memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Jurong Port to jointly pursue research and development in areas such as Smart Multi Energy Management Systems, Alternative Energy Source Applications and Environmental Monitoring Solutions.
Other components of Jurong Port’s Living Lab programme include collaboration with industry partners to develop and test solutions in areas such as Multipurpose Port Productivity, Internet of Things, Data and Visual Analytics, Safety and Security Enhancements.
Mr. Ooi Boon Hoe, Chief Executive Officer, Jurong Port, said, “We are delighted with this partnership with NTU. It forms the inaugural component of Jurong Port’s Living Lab programme to test bed solutions for our journey towards a ‘Next Generation Multipurpose Port.”
“Jurong Port’s Living Lab will join MPA as well as PSA Living Labs to help drive transformation of the maritime sector as part of the Sea Transport Industry Transformation Map. We look forward to collaborate on impactful research programmes as part of the MPA-JP MoU, that will leverage new technologies to ensure Maritime Singapore stays competitive as a world class port and international maritime centre”, said Mr. Andrew Tan, Chief Executive of the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA).
MoU between MPA and Shell Shipping & Maritime to advance clean fuel technology, remote/autonomous technology and digitalisation
MPA and Shell Eastern Trading (Pte) Ltd. (Shell) signed a MoU for co-operation to promote research and innovation in areas such as Clean Fuel Technology, Remote/Autonomous Technology and Digitalisation.
Under the MoU, MPA in partnership with Shell, will collaborate on developing innovative solutions to reduce emissions in the port and exploring greater use of automation in the port. The collaboration will also support the study and development of digitalisation efforts, including electronic data exchanges among various stakeholders, to enhance safety, efficiency and security of maritime communication.
“Singapore will continue to invest in future capabilities to build up a strong maritime cluster to generate good employment opportunities and stay ahead of the competition. We are pleased to work with industry partners like Shell to drive the digital transformation of the maritime industry in Singapore in the areas of electronic data interchange, automation, intelligent systems and cleaner energy,” said Mr. Andrew Tan.
