5th Singapore Maritime Institute Forum explores pertinent issues that impact maritime R&D

Some 200 participants from the industry, academic and government agencies took part in the annual Singapore Maritime Institute (SMI) Forum today to share and discuss important issues that impact the sector. Themed “Maritime & Offshore R&D in Singapore – 2016 and Beyond”, the fifth edition of the SMI Forum addressed the current landscape and future trends related to research and development (R&D) for the maritime and offshore industry development in Singapore.

The maritime sector is a sizeable contributor to the Singapore economy, providing 170,000 jobs and accounting for 7% of Singapore’s GDP. R&D is a vital pillar supporting Singapore’s competitiveness as a leading international maritime and offshore centre and global hub port. In addition to achieving greater productivity, breakthroughs in research and technology will greatly contribute towards cementing Singapore’s status as a leading Maritime & Offshore Centre.

The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA)’s vision to develop Singapore’s Next Generation Port for continued growth through the use of innovative technological solutions

The global maritime business environment of today and future developments around the world are key challenges facing the ports, maritime centres, and maritime industries around the world. Major hub ports and international maritime centres will have to venture beyond off-the-shelf solutions and systems to stay ahead of the competition.

The Port of Singapore is the busiest port in the world in terms of shipping tonnage, a top bunkering port, and the largest transshipment container port in the world. Singapore is also a major international maritime centre.

Mr Andrew Tan, Chief Executive of MPA, shared during his Maritime Keynote address at the Forum that Singapore’s Next Generation Port would require harnessing smart technology and better integration at the new Tuas Terminal. These include new concepts to create more space for optimal land use including better accessibility to the public, logistics efficiency, and sustainable development.

Inaugural SMI Awards 2016 to recognise the significant contribution in Maritime R&D

Recognising the significant contribution and impact that top research excellence and talent would bring to the maritime industry in Singapore, Mr S.S. Teo, Chairman of the Board and Governing Council of SMI, announced the inaugural annual SMI Awards that will be presented at the next SMI Forum.

Top Projects from every bi-annual SMI Research Showcase will be eligible for nomination under each year’s SMI Awards for the following award categories:

Awards

In recognition of the significance of industry-academia research collaboration, SMI will also be presenting the “Honorary SMI Collaboration Award” to exemplary companies and/or non-public research performers in collaboration with the local research institutions.

A high-level SMI Award Committee will be convened to judge nominated research projects. Details and composition of the SMI Award Committee will be announced at a later date.

Top Projects of SMI Research Showcase – October 2015

With the intention to raise the profile and awareness of maritime and offshore R&D activities and to recognise and award research excellence, SMI announced the Top Projects under the inaugural bi-annual SMI Research Showcase that took place from 5 to 8 October 2015.

The Principal Investigator of each Top Project also presented their research work at the Forum before receiving their awards from Mr S.S. Teo.

The outstanding research study in the adhesive properties of biofouling organisms by Assistant Professor Ali Miserez of the Nanyang Technological University (NTU) along with the research work on air lubrication of ship hulls by Associate Professor Li Hua of NTU were recognised for research excellence in maritime R&D and their effects on reducing emissions through greater fuel efficiency.

National University of Singapore’s (NUS) Professor Koh Chan Ghee’s study on extreme waves and their impact on offshore platforms also reflected the significance of how R&D helps to address the industry’s concerns on asset integrity.

The Top Projects* were determined by a Judging Panel assessment (75% weightage) and voting by visitors of the Research Showcase (25% weightage). Each of the top projects were awarded S$3,000.

A Judging Panel was convened to assess seventeen (17) shortlisted maritime and offshore research projects supported by SMI. Visitors of the one-week Research Showcase at both the National University of Singapore (NUS) and Nanyang Technological University (NTU) also voted for their favourite projects.

The next SMI Research Showcase will be taking place in April 2016 during Singapore Maritime Week.

(Details of Top Projects of SMI Research Showcase October 2015 are enclosed in Annex A)

About the Singapore Maritime Institute (SMI)
The Singapore Maritime Institute (SMI) is a joint effort by the Maritime and Port Authority (MPA), the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) and the Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB). Established in Jan 2011, the mission of the SMI is to make a difference through world-class R&D, training & education and thought leadership in policy formulation for the maritime industry. The SMI aims to develop and pursue strategies and programmes in order to further enhance the development of the maritime industry. Key focus areas of the SMI include sectors such as shipping, port and maritime services as well as offshore and marine engineering.

SMI will partner with both the Institutes of Higher Learning and the Research Institutions under A*STAR to work closely with the industry to develop and grow the industry through knowledge and innovation. SMI will work towards attracting renowned academics and researchers to base in Singapore and groom the next generation of local maritime talent to meet the needs of the industry.

For more information, please visit www.maritimeinstitute.sg

For media clarification, please contact:

Jason Lin (Mr)
Singapore Maritime Institute
DID: (65) 6270-2824
HP: (65) 9365-4522
Fax: (65) 6270-2885
Email: jason@maritimeinstitute.sg