New research collaboration to develop more efficient and eco-friendly ships

SINGAPORE- A new research collaboration between A*STAR's Institute of High Performance Computing (IHPC), Sembcorp Marine University of Glasgow and University of Glasgow Singapore (UGS) is looking to make a ship's voyage more smooth sailing by improving its hydrodynamics and energy efficiency.

The four organisations on Wednesday signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to collaborate and develop new hull designs for large ocean-going vessels and make them more environmentally friendly.

Under the three-year MoU, they will use computational modelling and visualisation technologies to design vessels with improved hydrodynamics for better fuel efficiency.

In addition, they will collaborate and innovate on features to reduce harmful exhaust emissions and discharges by enhancing the vessel's scrubber and ballast treatment systems.

As part of talent training and development, University of Glasgow and UGS will provide academic training and certification to students who are staff of Sembcorp Marine, under the Industrial Postgraduate Programme.

"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. This can significantly impact the way ships are built and accelerate the advancement of more fuel-efficient and greener vessels," said Professor Alfred Huan, Executive Director of A*STAR's IHPC, in a press release.

Deputy President of Sembcorp Marine, Mr Ong Poh Kwee, said, "Such a collaboration will contribute towards better efficiency in ships, reducing gas emission and enhance the marine ecology."

isaacneo@sph.com.sg

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