Singapore and DNV GL expand their research[ds_preview] collaboration. The scope of an existing cooperation is widened with efforts for autonomous and intelligent shipping.
Today, a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to promote research and development (R&D) and innovation in the maritime industry was renewed between the Norwegian-German classification and the the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA). »Given the growing need to create safer and more efficient solutions for the maritime industry, this renewed MOU will have an expanded scope to include the R&D of intelligent shipping systems«, the partners said in a statement.
The MOU extends the collaboration for another three years. It aims to promote R&D in intelligent shipping systems such as autonomous vessels and drones for maritime purposes, or the use of data analytics to create robust and optimal shipping solutions. These systems will help to enhance safety and sustainability of shipping and port activities.
In addition, the topic of »Green Ports« is addressed. An examination of the potential environmental gains through the use of energy saving and emission reduction technology in ports, in terms of infrastructure, processes and harbourcraft is planned. Third, projects which are designed to cut emissions and boost fuel efficiency, through improvements in operational maintenance, and also research into LNG as an alternative fuel, are supposed to be initiated.
The signing ceremony took place at the DNV GL Headquarters in Norway, during a visit by Singapore’s Senior Minister of State (SMS) Mrs Josephine Teo and was signed between MPA’s Chief Executive, Mr Andrew Tan and DNV GL’s Group President and Chief Executive Officer, Mr Remi Eriksen.
»I am excited to renew the MOU with the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore«, Eriksen said and added that in this re-signing of the MOU, DNV GL will reinforce and strengthen the good cooperation with the forward looking maritime industry and research institutes in Singapore.
Andrew Tan said, the renewed MoU is aligned with Singapore‘s efforts to keep pace with developments in smart ships and ports as the industry moves towards adopting smarter shipping systems to achieve higher standards of efficiency, productivity and safety.
