Imperial College London and the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to fast-track the green and digital transformation of the maritime industry. The partnership aims to develop innovations that will drive zero-carbon shipping and achieve net-zero port emissions, marking a major step toward decarbonising the maritime sector.
The five-year collaboration will bring together scientists and maritime experts from Imperial and Singapore to develop advanced digital technologies, including smart port systems and cybersecurity solutions for maritime Internet-of-Things (IoT) devices, industrial control, and operational technology systems. The partnership will also focus on talent development initiatives, such as student exchange programmes, internships, and research collaborations with Singaporean universities.
This MoU coincides with the launch of Imperial’s first overseas research and innovation hub, Imperial Global Singapore. The new hub aims to strengthen UK-Singapore collaboration in translating scientific breakthroughs into commercial applications, particularly in green energy and sustainable technology for the maritime industry.
Professor Hugh Brady, President of Imperial, emphasised the significance of the partnership, “This partnership heralds a significant step towards achieving zero carbon shipping. It will accelerate the development of innovative technologies that will not only help decarbonise the maritime industry but will also create a sustainable and secure future for global shipping.”
Teo Eng Dih, Chief Executive of MPA, highlighted the collaborative nature of the agreement and said, “Collaboration amongst like-minded partners is necessary if we are to accelerate the transition to a digitalised and green maritime industry. I am confident that our partnership with Imperial College London will create immense opportunities for researchers and students to deliver cutting-edge solutions.”
The British High Commissioner to Singapore, Nik Mehta said, “The UK and Singapore are maritime and research hubs, united in our vision for a decarbonised maritime industry. Our breadth of combined technical expertise, exemplified in this collaboration between Imperial College London and the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore, will bring us closer to this goal. This is a great example of our research and innovation partnership, bolstering ongoing efforts under our UK-Singapore Green Economy Framework to develop the cutting-edge technologies we need to decarbonise the maritime industry.”
Professor Nigel Brandon, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering at Imperial, expressed excitement about the opportunities the partnership presents, “There is enormous potential to harness the latest innovations in green energy and technology to revolutionise the shipping industry and move towards net zero. It’s extremely exciting that our world-leading engineers and scientists will be working closely with the world’s busiest port to improve the sustainability of the shipping industry.”