BWV, MPA and SMI to invest in green R&D projects

BW Ventures Pte Ltd (BWV), the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) and the Singapore Maritime Institute (SMI) will work together to promote sustainable maritime-related research and development (R&D) in Singapore. The Maritime Environment and Clean Energy (MECE) Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed by BWV Director and BW Maritime CEO, Mr Andreas Sohmen-Pao, MPA Chief Executive, Mr Lam Yi Young and SMI Executive Director, Mr Heng Chiang Gnee today.

MPA and SMI will work with BWV to develop the Green Marine Innovation Centre (GMIC) to support the research and development of clean energy technologies with maritime application.

“We believe that the setting up of the GMIC by BWV in Singapore will grow the capabilities of local tertiary and research institutions as well as local technology companies in the area of green technologies. This is another key collaboration that is supported by MPA,s Maritime Innovation and Technology Fund to develop programmes for the maritime technology cluster,” said MPA,s Chief Executive, Mr Lam Yi Young.

The GMIC will provide shared resources, including administrative functions, R&D personnel and laboratory facilities for green technology companies housed within the centre. Through GMIC, BWV will encourage its portfolio companies to develop R&D capabilities in Singapore, with the aim to improve on and commercialise their technologies.

“BW Ventures is pleased to contribute to the further development of Singapore as a center for cutting edge maritime technology,” said BWV Director, Andreas Sohmen-Pao. “We will seek to nurture sustainable research while promoting a growing sector of the economy.”

Under the MOU, BWV and MPA will each pledge S$5 million over the next five years to support projects driven by the GMIC. SMI will also fund various R&D projects initiated by local tertiary and research institutions.

“SMI is pleased to work with GMIC. This collaboration is in line with our R&D strategy to support green technologies for differentiation. SMI will continue to tap on a wide spectrum of research capabilities residing within our partners in the tertiary and research institutions to work with the industry and develop Singapore into a maritime knowledge hub,” said Mr Heng Chiang Gnee, Executive Director of SMI.

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About BW Ventures Pte Ltd (BWV)

BW Ventures is involved in businesses providing marine-based solutions to energy challenges, including clean-tech investments and offshore projects. BW Ventures is a part of the BW Group (http://www.bwgroup.net/), a leading global maritime group involved in oil and gas transportation and deepwater production. Through its predecessor companies, Bergesen and World-Wide Shipping, the BW Group has been delivering energy and other vital commodities for more than 70 years. BW Ventures is managed from offices in Singapore, Oslo, and Bermuda.

About the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA)

The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) was established on 2 February 1996, with the mission to develop Singapore as a premier global hub port and international maritime centre (IMC), and to advance and safeguard Singapore’s strategic maritime interests. MPA is the driving force behind Singapore’s port and maritime development, taking on the roles of Port Authority, Port Regulator, Port Planner, IMC Champion, and National Maritime Representative. MPA partners the industry and other agencies to enhance safety, security and environmental protection in our port waters, facilitate port operations and growth, expand the cluster of maritime ancillary services, and promote maritime R&D and manpower development.

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:

Ailsa von Dobeneck (Ms)
Executive
Communications Department
BW Ventures
DID: (65) 6434 5871
Tel: (65) 6337 2133
Fax: (65) 6337 1623
Email: ailsa.vondobeneck@bw-ventures.com

Diviya Dharshini (Ms)
Assistant Manager
Corporate Communications Department
Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore
DID: (65) 6375-1648
Hp: (65) 9017-1374
Fax: (65) 6276-8927
Email: diviya_s@mpa.gov.sg