Rolls-Royce and the Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT) have announced a new research partnership to develop advanced technologies for autonomous and hybrid ships. The collaboration, unveiled during Singapore Maritime Week, focuses on improving Equipment Health Management and Fleet Management systems to boost the efficiency and sustainability of maritime operations.
The project, supported by a $20m investment from the Singapore Maritime Institute and Rolls-Royce, will use the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore’s patrol craft, ‘MPA Guardian’, as a pilot vessel. This hybrid ship, equipped with two mtu 16V2000 engines, will be fitted with the mtu NautIQ Foresight system to collect data and optimise operations, demonstrating the potential application of this technology across other vessels.
Professor Susanna Leong, Vice President (Applied Research) at SIT, highlighted the partnership’s focus on leveraging artificial intelligence and advanced analytics to enhance ship autonomy and reduce carbon emissions. “SIT’s collaboration with Rolls-Royce will drive the future of intelligent and sustainable maritime operations,” she stated.
Kevin Daffey, Senior Vice President of Mobile Automation at Rolls-Royce Power Systems, emphasised Singapore’s role as a hub for sustainable shipping, making it an ideal location for this project. “We are promoting the reduction of CO2 emissions and supporting our customers with digital systems in line with our strategic goals,” he explained.
This initiative marks a significant step towards the development of autonomous maritime technologies, with potential implications for reducing emissions and enhancing fleet performance globally.
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