MPA and ClassNK to collaborate on safety and environmental research
Singapore: The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) and classification society ClassNK have signed an MOU to collaborate on maritime technologies research and development for ship safety and environmental sustainability.
Both MPA and ClassNK will promote and share maritime thought-leadership on technology through activities such as conferences, workshops and joint R&D projects.
The collaboration, which is the first between MPA and ClassNK, includes research into safe shipping covering structural integrity and fatigue-related research, applied research in emission control and alternative fuel engine technologies to reduce emissions, and marine renewable energy.
Andrew Tan, MPA chief executive, commented, “The signing of this MOU is a reflection of the emphasis we place on innovation and R&D, and signifies a shared vision to make the industry safer, more efficient and greener.”
ClassNK signed off on the MOU as they opened their Global Research and Innovation Centre (GRIC), ClassNK’s first research center outside of Japan, which will carry out research with industry, academia, and government agencies in Singapore and from around the world on various projects such as the development of an Exhaust Gas Cleaning System (EGCS), a feasibility study for marine renewable energy test sites in Singpore, and a pilot scale demonstration for Zero-Emission Desulphurization process for Maritime applications (ZEDSMart).