Tuesday, November 3, 2015

Southeast Asia's first maritime energy test bed

NTU launches Southeast Asia's first maritime energy test bed

Nanyang Technological University (NTU) on Monday (Nov 2) launched Southeast Asia’s first-of-its-kind advanced maritime energy test facility.

The S$8 million research facility aims to be a platform for scientists and engineers to develop innovative eco-friendly maritime technologies, such as scrubbers and alternative energy sources. Scrubbers are devices that curb harmful ship emissions.


Such clean energy solutions are aimed at delivering cost savings and competitive advantages, as well as enhance the reputation of maritime companies for championing sustainable technologies.


For example, shipping may be recognised as the most fuel efficient mode of freight transportation, but it is also known to use fuel which emits harmful atmospheric pollutants. The facility, called the Maritime Energy Test Bed, will conduct research and development in areas such as alternative sources of energy, fuel additives to increase energy efficiency and technologies for cleaner emissions.


To achieve this, the 1,500 square metre facility comes equipped with a 1.5 megawatt diesel ship engine, which can run on most of the conventional liquid fuel types for energy research. It will also be installed with advanced sensors and monitoring devices to facilitate research in energy storage, noise pollution and waste heat recovery.


“The fruition of the Maritime Energy Test Bed represents a successful collaboration between the research sector and the industry, and is a timely development as the maritime sector looks to green and sustainable technologies to save on costs, mitigate the effects of climate change and address growing environmental regulations,” said Mr Andrew Tan, Chief Executive of the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA).


The facility will also be an educational platform for polytechnic students, undergraduates and PhD candidates to learn and get hands-on experience. Engineers can also train there to learn skills for the green maritime industry.


The Singapore Maritime Institute (SMI) will contribute S$4.7 million over the next 10 years to fund the facility, while NTU will provide S$3.4 million with support from other maritime leaders such as ClassNK.


“As Singapore is primarily a global trade hub, education and training are important aspects of the new Maritime Energy Test Bed at NTU,” said NTU Chief of Staff and Vice President for Research, Professor Lam Khin Yong. “With highly skilled manpower, Singapore will be able to attract overseas investments to the nation’s maritime industry.”


~News courtesy of Channel News Asia~

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