NTU Singapore Launch New Lab to Support Bunker Efficiency Research

by Ship & Bunker News Team
Friday December 9, 2016

Nanyang Technological University, Singapore (NTU Singapore) Wednesday announced that it has launched a new marine research laboratory for the development of innovative eco-friendly technologies, intended to provide competitive advantages to Singapore's maritime and offshore industry, and help shipping companies better prepare for tighter emissions regulations in 2020.

"This lab comes at an important time amid rising energy demands and environmental concerns about carbon emissions and global warming. With international bodies already taking action, the lab will help the industry prepare for the changes, by providing viable and cost effective solutions," said Professor Lua Aik Chong, head of the laboratory and Acting Executive Director of Maritime Institute at NTU.

The Sembcorp Marine Lab at NTU was named after Sembcorp Marine Limited (Sembcorp Marine), which provided a $10 million endowment fund intended to support the development fuel emission management, energy efficiency, and green shipping solutions.

"Our partnership with SembCorp Marine and the Singapore Economic Development Board combines our strengths and creates fresh synergies, allowing the lab to carry out cutting-edge research in fuel emission management, energy efficiency, and green shipping," said NTU Provost Professor Freddy Boey.

The facility is said to feature the region's first dual-fuel marine engine, funded as part of NTU's Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering postgraduate programme, and supported by the Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB).

NTU researchers' studies at the laboratory will examine ways to retrofit ships to operate using two fuel types simultaneously, such as diesel and liquefied natural gas (LNG), with the intention of reducing emissions while keeping costs low.

"NTU’s focus on developing greener marine technologies is testament to the increasing interest in sustainable solutions for the marine and offshore engineering (M&OE) sector. The lab will also demonstrate Singapore’s capabilities in industry-relevant M&OE research," said Tan Kong Hwee, Director for Transport Engineering at the EDB.

Last year, Ship & Bunker reported that NTU had partnered with the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA), Singapore Maritime Institute (SMI), and other industry partners to launch an advanced maritime energy test facility - which will be supported by the Sembcorp Marine Lab at NTU.