NTU and SMI to Establish Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Energy and Maritime Solutions

SMI and NTU are developing the new MESD Centre of Excellence. File Image / Pixabay

Wong Weng Sun, Chairman of the Board and Governing Council of the Singapore Maritime Institute (SMI) has announced the development of the new Maritime Energy and Sustainable Development (MESD) Centre of Excellence with Nanyang Technological University (NTU).

The new centre, which is slated to begin operations by the end of this year, will be jointly funded by up to S$10 million ($7.35 million) from SMI, S$4 million ($2.94 million) from NTU, and S$1 million ($735,024) from NTU's industry partners.

Intended for the development of sustainable energy and maritime solutions, MESD will specifically focus on future port and shipping applications across three major areas, including energy management, emissions management, and sustainable maritime operations.

"Most international trade and key economic activities depend on the movement of goods that involve ships using heavy fuel oil and other fossil fuels," said Professor Lam Khin Yong, NTU's Acting Provost, Chief of Staff and Vice President for Research.

"This partnership will see the development of greener solutions for the shipping industry so as to cut down emissions for a more sustainable maritime industry. It will also groom future maritime researchers who will continue to push the boundaries of innovation."

An agreement for the establishment of the centre was signed between NTU and SMI at the annual Singapore Maritime Institute Forum.

Last year, NTU launched a 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.