The Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with class society DNV to explore opportunities to advance net-zero ambitions in Singapore’s maritime sector and actively support a new generation of workers in the industry.
As part of the three-year partnership, the DNV Maritime Decarbonization & Autonomy Regional Centre of Excellence will support multiple R&D and educational initiatives in collaboration with SIT’s Sustainable Maritime Engineering Strategic Translational Research Programme.
Focus areas will include development of ship and system designs using simulation technologies, and joint industry applied research projects with entities in the Singapore maritime ecosystem working on decarbonisation and digitalisation.
“Our collaboration with DNV offers valuable opportunities for SIT to intensify R&D that will help boost Singapore as a leading and sustainable maritime hub by leveraging new technologies and innovation,” said Prof John Thong, Deputy President (Academic) & Provost, SIT.
“Additionally, the close academia-industry partnership will enhance authentic learning for our students and contribute towards capability building in the local maritime industry and across its ecosystem. SIT is delighted to partner with DNV in this endeavour.”
The MOU will also allow SIT and other maritime entities in Singapore to use DNV’s Simulation Trust Centre for educational and R&D purposes. Research collaborations between DNV and SIT will focus on advancing zero-emission and autonomous ships; shore remote control and simulation centres; shore charging and future fuel bunkering infrastructure.
“This MOU represents a new level of collaboration with SIT, and the beginning of a partnership focused on innovation, education and cooperation that will help accelerate the maritime industry’s sustainable transition goals,” said Cristina Saenz de Santa Maria, Regional Manager South-East Asia, Pacific & India, Maritime at DNV.
On the educational side, the agreement also aims to support the development of industry postgraduate programmes in maritime decarbonisation and digitalisation, bringing together SIT’s applied learning pedagogy and DNV’s Simulation Trust Centre to conduct lessons on optimising ships, and system design for hydrodynamics, energy management systems, emission control, and system safety.
Students will gain opportunities to collaborate with DNV on capstone projects in maritime technology applications, perform their Integrated Work Study Programme at DNV, and co-organise student competitions.
