Dalian Maritime University (DMU) in China has a signed a Strategic Cooperation Agreement (SCA) with classification society ABS, which will see the organisations work together on projects related to shipbuilding and marine and offshore engineering, including research on polar shipping and autonomous vessel technology.
“ABS and DMU have a broad cooperative foundation and the same goal in unmanned vessel technology and many other fields,” said Sun Yu-Qing, DMU President.
“The strategic cooperative agreement between ABS and DMU will play an important role in promoting technical development and application and be a pathway to lead the development of industry and expand cooperation. We believe that the cooperation will bring significant benefit to both parties and industry in a common effort.”
The new agreement follows on from an earlier announcement in April of this year, with DMU confirming that it was in discussions with shipyard Dalian Shipbuilding Industry, a part of China Shipbuilding Industry Corporation (CSIC), to create a new research lab focused on autonomous technology development.
“In a constantly evolving industry, ABS works alongside its partners tackling the most pressing technical, operational and regulatory challenges so the marine and offshore industries can operate safely, securely and responsibly,” said Paul Karam, ABS Vice President, Regional Operations.
“DMU is an internationally recognised leader in industry teaching and research. Together I am confident we can contribute to the further development of the industry in a number of key areas.”