ABS and MPA sign R&D MOU

ABS has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) to promote maritime R&D and innovation over the next five years.

The R&D will cover alternative/clean fuel research and technology, such as LNG bunkering, covering both operational configuration studies and risk assessment and safety. It will also look at resilient, next-generation port systems relating to the safety and security of new port facilities, and promote maritime technology to the Singapore maritime community through thought leadership.

ABS Chairman and CEO, Christopher J. Wiernicki,, said: “For more than 50 years, ABS has been committed to working alongside the MPA, industry and academia to foster the safe and environmentally responsible growth of the Singapore marine and offshore industries […] This MOU is a further sign of our commitment to work with all stakeholders in this growing hub of global trade to further R&D efforts that provide practical solutions to today's most pressing challenges.”

MPA Chief Executive, Andrew Tan, said: “This MOU with ABS will strengthen Maritime Singapore’s R&D capabilities in the areas of green shipping, future port and maritime technologies. It also aims to promote Singapore’s position as a global maritime knowledge hub."

This latest agreement builds upon ABS-MPA Maritime Technology Professorship programme at the Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD). The aim of the programme is to build up SUTD's capabilities in maritime education and R&D to further boost the growth of marine and offshore technology development in Singapore.

Adapted from press release by Callum O'Reilly

Read the article online at: https://www.lngindustry.com/lng-shipping/24072014/abs-and-mpa-sign-research-and-development-mou-1064/