BV opens deepwater technology research centre in SingaporeBV opens deepwater technology research centre in Singapore

The DTRC aims to provide advanced technical solutions and innovations to BV clients in Asia-Pacific, which will reinforce the level and quality of its real-time support.

Lam Yi Young, MPA's chief executive, said BV's DTRC is the second R&D test centre to benefit from the widened MCF scheme.

BV expects that over SGD7m ($5.6m) will be invested over a five-year period in up to 10 R&D projects and is in discussions with local stakeholders on possible collaborations.

The centre is the first BV Technology Research Centre in the Asia-Pacific region, and Singapore was chosen as the location due to its strategic geographical location and its current position as a leading hub for the building and conversion of offshore units, according to Matthieu de Tugny, BV's vice president for marine & offshore.

“The aim of the DTRC is to reinforce scientific and technical co-operation with local universities and industry. Working with Singaporean universities and local industry leaders, BV is keen to generate joint work projects and perform research and development activities based on high-level technical innovation,” he said.

“It is intended to disseminate knowledge and technical knowhow, to set up an R&D forum to share knowledge and generate joint industry projects, and to establish a forum which will constitute a working platform for technical personnel to meet, discuss and identify critical issues, to propose appropriate technical solutions and to share technical knowledge.”