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Singapore’s Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with a leading provider of engineering solutions for the global offshore and marine industry. This collaboration aims to delve into research opportunities in artificial intelligence and new energies to develop innovative products and engineering solutions tailored for the Offshore and Marine (O&M) sector.
The MoU signing ceremony took place during the Singapore Maritime Week, graced by Dr. Amy Khor, Senior Minister of State, Ministry of Transport and Ministry of Sustainability and the Environment.
This partnership merges the insights of the engineering solutions provider into trends and opportunities within the O&M sector with the research capabilities of A*STAR and its National Platforms such as the Technology Centre for Offshore and Marine, Singapore (TCOMS). The primary goal is to enhance the O&M sector’s transition to new energies effectively and reliably, while also supporting the global shift towards a low-carbon economy.
Through the utilisation of machine learning, manufacturing process technologies, and digital solutions, the collaboration aims to streamline product development and manufacturing processes. Additionally, it seeks to promote innovation and sustainability within the operations of the engineering solutions provider.
The focus areas of this collaboration include the co-development of solutions in artificial intelligence and new energies.
The partnership will leverage AI to explore innovative solutions in engineering processes, operational efficiency, and decision-making across project lifecycles. This includes the development of Large Language Models (LLMs) to enhance vessel design and validation turnaround by automating and streamlining parts of the process. AI will also be utilised for automating work site inspection and surveillance to improve operational efficiency.
Exploration of new energies such as hydrogen and ammonia solutions, specifically tailored for offshore and marine applications, forms a significant part of this collaboration. Both entities will concentrate on establishing a sustainable ammonia supply chain and addressing challenges related to bunkering, transportation, and storage. These efforts aim to provide sustainable energy solutions for the offshore and marine sectors, complemented by carbon capture technologies.
The collaboration between the engineering solutions provider and A*STAR builds upon their previous successful research projects since 2008, covering areas such as green shipping, digital design, automation, Internet of Things (IoT), and advanced manufacturing. Notably, their past collaborations have led to the development of new capabilities, including the world’s first made-in-Singapore Low Ultraviolet (LUV) Ballast Water Treatment System.
Mr. Chris Ong, CEO of the engineering solutions provider, expressed that the collaborative efforts aim to accelerate the energy transition and maritime decarbonisation. He emphasised their commitment to minimising carbon emissions, improving operational efficiency, and promoting cleaner energy within the O&M sector.
Mr. Frederick Chew, CEO of A*STAR, highlighted the shared vision of developing smart and sustainable solutions for the O&M sector through this collaboration. He anticipates substantive contributions towards economic and sustainability goals from the outcomes of their joint programmes.
The collaboration between the engineering solutions provider and A*STAR signifies a significant step towards advancing sustainable practices and fostering innovation within the offshore and marine industry. Through their combined expertise and resources, they aim to address pressing challenges and contribute to the global effort towards a more sustainable future.
A*STAR, at the forefront of technology, is poised to deploy AI, robotics, and animation across various domains, including elder care, revolutionising the way we approach healthcare for seniors.
Singapore’s demographic landscape is rapidly ageing, with citizens aged 65 and above expected to reach almost one-quarter of the population by 2030. Embracing robotics is seen as a transformative strategy to address challenges and opportunities in an ageing society, fostering productivity and quality of life for older workers. A*STAR is driving research to develop AI-equipped robots, aiming to enhance their usability and expand their utility across industries, including elder care.