Singapore's Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Sembcorp Marine, the University of Glasgow and University of Glasgow Singapore (UGS) have signed an agreement to collaborate and develop new hull designs for large ocean-going vessels and make them more environmentally-friendly.

Under the three-year memorandum of understanding, A*STAR's Institute of High Performance Computing (IHPC), Sembcorp Marine, the University of Glasgow and UGS will use computational modelling and visualisation technologies to design vessels with improved hydrodynamics for better fuel efficiency.

In addition, they will collaborate and innovate on features to reduce harmful exhaust emissions and discharges by enhancing the vessel's scrubber and ballast treatment services.

Professor Jonathan Cooper, Vice Principal for Innovation and Knowledge Exchange at the University of Glasgow, said: “As a world top 100 University, whose School of Engineering was recently rated in the top five in the UK-wide assessment of university research - the Research Excellence Framework - this collaboration represents a tremendous opportunity to demonstrate the reach and impact of our research. Our new partnership with A*STAR’s Institute of High Performance Computing and Sembcorp will innovate in the design of new ships’ hulls  with the aim of improving the efficiency of large ocean-going vessels and reducing greenhouse emissions.  The initiative not only highlights the increasing importance of multi-centre, cross disciplinary research in overcoming the significant challenges that exist in developing new environmentally-sustainable shipping technologies but also demonstrates the huge benefits for both the public and private sector in working together.” 

Director of University of Glasgow Singapore, Dr Gianmarco Radice, said: “To achieve innovation, it is increasingly important for industry, research centres and academia to collaborate with each other. By leveraging on the capabilities from all partners, we can accelerate the innovation necessary to bring next-generation technologies in eco-shipping to the marine and offshore sector, quickly and cost-effectively. This partnership also provides a unique opportunity for our students to gain early exposure to the real world of industrial engineering."

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UofG Singapore Industry Forum

The University of Glasgow Singapore held an industry forum and networking session last month to promote relations between the University and local businesses and industry.

The flagship event brought together representatives from key industries and researchers from the University; and it was a platform for both groups to share their ideas and expertise. The themes of this year’s event were: smart cities, energy, big data and cyber-security

Representatives from 36 companies attended, including : Thales, KPMG, Lloyd’s Register Global Technology Centre, NEC, Singapore Technologies Engineering, Industry Development Authority, Singapore, Housing Development Board (Building Research Institute).

The event was held in partnership with UK Trade & Investment (UKTI) and Scottish Development International (SDI). It was hosted by the British High Commissioner to Singapore, Mr Antony Phillipson, together with Vice-Principal for Innovation and Knowledge Exchange, Professor Jonathan Cooper, and Vice-Principal Emeritus, Professor John Chapman. 

First published: 2 February 2015

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