The Singapore Maritime Institute (SMI) and the Nanyang Technological University (NTU) announced the launch of a new S$15 million research centre to develop sustainable energy and maritime solutions.
The signing of the agreement for the establishment of the new Maritime Energy and Sustainable Development (MESD) centre of excellence took place on the sidelines of the SMI Forum, on 31 October.
To be operational by the end of this year, MESD will focus on future port and shipping applications in three key areas – energy management, emissions management, and sustainable maritime operations.
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.”
The new centre will be jointly funded by SMI up to S$10 million, with NTU contributing S$4 million, and another S$1 million from NTU’s industry partners. MESD is the first maritime research centre of excellence supported by SMI, as part of its efforts to deepen research capabilities while developing a long-term pool of quality maritime researchers in Singapore.
In the same context to grow the maritime innovation ecosystem in Singapore, MPA and Shell Eastern Trading (Pte) Ltd. signed a MoU at the SMI Forum for co-operation to promote research and innovation in areas such as Clean Fuel Technology, Remote/Autonomous Technology and Digitalisation.
The Singapore Maritime Institute (SMI) is a joint effort by the Maritime and Port Authority (MPA), the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) and the Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB), that develops strategies and programmes to achieve its mission with key focus areas in sectors such as port, shipping and maritime services.
