Smart Ships take Centre Stage at the Singapore Maritime Institute (SMI) Seminar 2016

  • Press Releases
  • April 19, 2016

Seminar sees launch of commemorative publication
“Building a Singapore Maritime Knowledge Hub”

Organised in conjunction with the Singapore Maritime Week 2016, the Singapore Maritime Institute (SMI) Seminar on Smart Ships held today explored cutting-edge research and technology for the maritime industry as it sets its vision to usher in a new era of shipping and sustainability for a future-ready Maritime Singapore.

2 Keynote Speaker Mr Esben Poulsson, President of the Singapore Shipping Association, addressed the audience comprising senior shipping executives and the maritime R&D community on the need for smart ships to add value to the shipping industry with advanced digital competencies. Other distinguished speakers (see Annex A for full list of speakers) including Mr Brijesh Tewari, Principal Specialist & Manager, Marine Consultancy Services, Lloyd’s Register Asia, discussed how smart ship technologies can significantly benefit the commercial shipping sector in a panel discussion chaired by SMI Executive Director Mr Heng Chiang Gnee.

3 The bi-annual SMI Research Showcase April 2016 was also launched during the event to raise the profile of maritime and offshore research and technology in Singapore. The Research Showcase will also be recognising maritime research excellence where visitors are invited from 19 to 20 April to vote for their favourite research projects (see Annex B for full list of projects). In addition to engineering R&D projects, two policy research projects were showcased for the first time by researchers from the Singapore University of Technology & Design and the Singapore Management University, who are also participating in the SMI Research Showcase for the first time.

4 In celebration of SMI’s 5th anniversary this year, a commemorative publication, “Building a Singapore Maritime Knowledge Hub”, chronicling SMI’s contributions to Maritime Singapore’s R&D landscape, was launched at the event.

5 “Over the past five years, SMI had undertaken major steps to create a vibrant R&D ecosystem for the maritime and offshore sectors. This publication reflects our journey towards the development of a World Class Maritime Knowledge Hub here in Singapore” said Chairman of SMI Board and Governing Council Mr S.S. Teo.

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, SMI develops strategies and programmes related to the academic, policy and R&D aspects of the industry. Key focus areas include sectors such as port, shipping, maritime services, offshore and marine engineering, subsea and downhole. SMI charts the maritime and offshore research strategy and promotes greater industry-academia R&D collaborations to be undertaken in Singapore.

Media Contact:

Jason Lin
Manager, Singapore Maritime Institute
E-mail: jason@maritimeinstitute.sg
Tel: 6270 2824