The Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to explore the potential to advance net-zero goals in Singapore’s maritime sector and actively support the next generation of workers.
As part of the three-year cooperation, the DNV Maritime Decarbonisation & Autonomy Regional Centre of Excellence will collaborate with SIT’s Sustainable Maritime Engineering Strategic Translational Research Programme on several R&D and instructional projects.
Both parties will collaborate on the development of ship and system designs utilising simulation-based methodologies, joint industry-applied research projects with entities in the Singapore maritime ecosystem in the areas of decarbonisation and digitalisation, and deeper and broader knowledge exchange.
The MoU signifies a new level of collaboration with SIT and the beginning of a partnership centred on innovation, education, and cooperation that will assist in accelerating the sustainable transition goals of the marine industry.
The MOU will allow DNV to assist SIT and other Singapore maritime organisations in using DNV’s Simulation Trust Centre for instructional and R&D objectives. The two will collaborate on research to advance zero-emission and autonomous ships, shore remote control and simulation centres, shore charging, and future fuel bunkering infrastructure. DNV plans to share knowledge in maritime decarbonisation and digitisation to SIT to build industry postgraduate programmes under the terms of the agreement.
The relationship combines the university’s applied learning methodology with a Simulation Trust Centre to deliver courses on ship optimisation and system design for advanced hydrodynamics, energy management systems, emission control, and system safety. Students will also get the opportunity to work on capstone projects in unique marine technology applications, complete their Integrated Work Study Programme, and co-organise student contests.
Singapore is a global marine hub that facilitates the testing of novel solutions. It is critical to involve both Institutes of Higher Learning and industry partners to ensure that R&D efforts and investments support the marine transformation.
The relationship provides SIT with tremendous chances to increase R&D, which will assist Singapore to become a leading and sustainable marine hub by harnessing new technologies and innovation.
Furthermore, the strong collaboration between academics and industry will boost authentic learning for the students and contribute to competence creation in the local maritime industry and its ecosystem.
The DNV Maritime Decarbonisation & Autonomy Regional Centre of Excellence in Singapore focuses on maritime digitisation, decarbonisation, and port capabilities to help South-East Asia transition to a smarter, more sustainable future.
Established in 2021 with assistance from the Singapore Economic Development Board, the regional Centre of Excellence provides a knowledge-sharing forum for industry roundtables and seminars to engage all stakeholders on maritime green transition trends such as Marine Battery, Hydrogen/Ammonia fuel, among others. The centre also undertakes joint industry projects and tailor-made consultancy ventures to benefit the sector.
Meanwhile, OpenGov Asia earlier reported that the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) and the leading ports in Europe have collaborated to establish the world’s longest Green and Digital Corridor. Decarbonising shipping is a high goal for the agency combating climate change and requires the collaboration of the whole marine sector.
The collaboration exemplifies how like-minded partners may work together to augment the efforts of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) and will serve as a vital platform for piloting innovations that can be scaled up for greener and more global shipping. The MoU will bring together stakeholders from the entire supply chain to launch the route’s first sustainable vessels by 2027.