ABS and the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) today to promote maritime research and development (R&D) and innovation.
Over the next five years, ABS and MPA will collaborate on maritime R&D in the areas of alternative/clean fuel and developing resilient, next-generation port systems. Both parties will also commit to promote and share maritime thought leadership on technology.
“MPA works closely with classification societies to undertake research activities in Singapore. This MOU with ABS will strengthen Maritime Singapore’s R&D capabilities in the areas of green shipping, future port and maritime technologies,” says Andrew Tan, MPA chief executive. “It also aims to promote Singapore’s position as a global maritime knowledge hub.”
Some of the topics the MOU will cover include: alternative/clean fuel research and technology, such as in liquefied natural gas bunkering that will cover both operational configuration studies and risk assessment and safety; R&D on resilient, next-generation port systems relating to the safety and security of new port facilities; promoting maritime technology to the Singapore maritime community through thought leadership, workshops and dialogues.
This latest agreement builds upon the ABS-MPA Maritime Technology Professorship program at the Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD). The aim of the program is to build up SUTD’s capabilities in maritime education and R&D to further boost the growth of marine and offshore technology development in Singapore.