Four organisations collaborate to develop efficient, eco-friendly ships

SINGAPORE - Four organisations have agreed to collaborate on the development of new ship designs to make them more energy efficient and environmentally friendly.

A*STAR's Institute of High Performance Computing (IHPC), Semcorp Marine Ltd, University of Glasgow and UGS signed a thee-year memorandum of understanding (MoU) today.

The organisations will use computational modelling and visualisation technologies to improve upon the fuel efficiency of maritime transport by designing ships with better hydrodynamics.

Furthermore, the collaborative effort aims to innovate on features to reduce exhaust emissions and discharges.

Said Prof Alfred Huan, Executive Director of A*STAR's IHPC: "IHPC acts as a catalyst that translates research into practical applications.

"By harnessing the power of computational modelling and simulations, we help shipbuilders optimise design to improve efficiency and environmental sustainability of large commercial vessels."

For instance, Sembcorp Marine and IHPC will work on ways to reduce the emission of harmful gases such as carbon dioxide and various greenhouse gases from the burning of fossil fuels.

IHPC will also contribute its well-developed research in martime-related areas, such as hull optimisation and structural integrity.

In order to better utilise such knowledge, University of Glasgow and UGS will be providing academic training and certification to the staff of Sembcorp Marine.

Maritime transport accounts for three per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions.

jasonsoh@sph.com.sg