THE MARITIME and Port Authority of Singapore and classification society DNV have extended a maritime research and development agreement by three years.
The memorandum of understanding between MPA and DNV covers decarbonisation, digitalisation and talent development for sustainable maritime ecosystems.
The latest extension builds off a 2019 extension of an agreement first drafted in 2014.
The initial intention of the MoU was to cover emerging trends in the maritime industry such as autonomous shipping, low and zero carbon fuels and green technology.
The parties formally renewed their partnership at this year’s Singapore Norway Innovation Conference.
Cristina Saenz de Santa Maria, DNV’s regional manager South East Asia, Pacific & India, Maritime, said decarbonisation and digitalisation are the two most important trends currently shaping the maritime industry.
“Our continuing collaboration, cemented by today’s MoU extension, signifies DNV’s commitment to drive ever forward with MPA Singapore and deliver key decarbonisation and digital transformation milestones within the industry,” she said.
Kenneth Lim, assistant chief executive industry and transformation at MPA, also welcomed the extension of the agreement.
“The renewal of the MoU between MPA and DNV underscores the commitment to our decarbonisation and digitalisation aspirations, including talent development and R&D to chart the pathways to net zero for international shipping while complementing IMO’s GHG strategy.”
The partners plan to develop a talent pipeline for the maritime sector through internships and a maritime research talent pool through an exchange program with entities in Singapore.
They said areas for future co-operation include catalysing joint industry projects on the pathways to net zero and leveraging digitalisation as an enabler for energy efficiency.
DNV and MPA also intend to explore the adoption of remote survey inspection and audits through technology, the standardisation of vessel operational data and alignment on cyber and smart notations.
