Classification society LR has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with China’s biggest shipbuilding group, China State Shipbuilding Corporation (CSSC), to jointly research and develop marine equipment and technology to improve vessel digitalisation and decarbonisation.
The deal will see the partners jointly establish a Technology Research Centre in Shanghai to look at how to deal with new regulation in environmental areas, whilst also pushing the development of ‘smart’ technologies within the marine and offshore industries.
The LR and CSSC research collaboration will look at the use of blockchain and digital twin technologies, and will evaluate ship propulsion systems, including various clean energy sources and their certification. FPSO, FLNG, FSRU design concepts will also be assessed.
The partners will additionally exchange training on a range of topics including cyber security, cruise ship design and the application of new energy sources for ships.
“As the world’s largest ship building group and the world’s leading classification society, this collaboration will contribute significantly to the maritime industry and help address the challenges of the future,” said Lei Fan Pei, CSSC Chairman.
“CSSC would also like to express our sincere appreciation to Lloyd’s Register for its long-term support, and congratulations on the 150 year anniversary of Lloyd’s Register operating in China.”