MPA Expands MOU with DNV GL to include Autonomous Systems and Intelligent Shipping

A memorandum of understanding to promote research and development (R&D) and innovation in the maritime industry was renewed between DNV GL and the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) today. Given the growing need to create safer and more efficient solutions for the maritime industry, this renewed MOU will have an expanded scope to include the R&D of intelligent shipping systems.

The MOU aims to promote maritime R&D in the following areas:

• Intelligent shipping systems such as autonomous vessels and drones for maritime purposes, or the use of data analytics to create robust and optimal shipping solutions. These systems will help to enhance safety and sustainability of shipping and port activities.
• Green Ports – an examination of the potential environmental gains to be made through the use of energy saving and emission reduction technology in ports, in terms of infrastructure, processes and harbourcraft.
• Marine environment and resources; projects which are designed to cut emissions and boost fuel efficiency, through improvements in operational maintenance, and also research into LNG as an alternative fuel.
• Organisation of maritime-related thought leadership forums to promote Green Shipping, Green Port and Green Technology within the Singapore maritime community.

The new MOU also extends the duration of collaboration for another three years. 

The signing ceremony took place at the DNV GL Headquarters in Norway, during a visit by Singapore’s Senior Minister of State (SMS) Mrs Josephine Teo and was signed between MPA’s Chief Executive, Mr Andrew Tan and DNV GL’s Group President and Chief Executive Officer, Mr Remi Eriksen. The ceremony was also witnessed by SMS Teo, together with Ms Dilek Ayhan, State Secretary of Norway.

"I am excited to renew the MOU with the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore” says DNV GL President and CEO Remi Eriksen.  “DNV GL is strongly committed to innovation and promote new technologies and solutions for safe, efficient and sustainable shipping. Five per cent of our annual group revenue is harvested in a wide set of R&D projects - often together with our customers and trusted partners. By re-signing the MOU, we will reinforce and strengthen the good cooperation with the forward looking maritime industry and research institutes in Singapore."

Mr Andrew Tan said, “MPA is pleased to renew the MOU with DNV GL to include autonomous technologies, intelligent shipping and data analytics. This is aligned with Singapore's efforts to keep pace with developments in smart ships and ports as the industry moves towards adopting smarter shipping systems to achieve higher standards of efficiency, productivity and safety.”

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About DNV GL
Driven by our purpose of safeguarding life, property and the environment, DNV GL enables organizations to advance the safety and sustainability of their business. Operating in more than 100 countries, our professionals are dedicated to helping our customers in the maritime, oil & gas, energy and other industries to make the world safer, smarter and greener. DNV GL is the world’s leading classification society and a recognized advisor for the maritime industry. We enhance safety, quality, energy efficiency and environmental performance of the global shipping industry – across all vessel types and offshore structures. We invest heavily in research and development to find solutions, together with the industry, that address strategic, operational or regulatory challenges.

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.

For media queries, please contact:
Ms Jean Lim, Manager, Corporate Communications Department, MPA 
Tel: (65) 6375 1644
Email: Jean_Lim@mpa.gov.sg

DNV GL media contact:

Per Wiggo Richardsen, Communication Director 
Tel: +47 90 77 78 29
Email: per.wiggo.richardsen@dnvgl.com

Andrew Tan, Chief Executive, Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore and DNV GL’s Group President and CEO Remi Eriksen renewed a MOU at the DNV GL Headquarters in Norway. The ceremony was also witnessed by Josephine Teo, Senior Minister of State, Prime Minister’s Office, Ministry of Foreign Affairs & Ministry of Transport, Singapore and Dilek Ayhan, State Secretary, Norwegian Ministry of Trade, Industry and Fisheries.