Singapore maritime decarbonistion centre established from 1 August

The SGD120m ($90m) centre was announced it April with funding from the Maritime & Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) and initial industry partners BHP, BW Group, Eastern Pacific Shipping, Foundation Det Norske Veritas, Ocean Network Express.

Since the centre was announced the MPA said that 1 organisations ranging from shipping companies, classification societies, research centres, traders, energy players, terminal and tank operators, engineering companies, financial institutions to industry associations have expressed interest to collaborate with GCMD.

Chee Hong Tat, Singapore Senior Minister of State for Transport, said, “The Global Centre for Maritime Decarbonisation has garnered much interest from industry stakeholders. This strong support is important for developing commercially viable solutions for sustainable shipping.  As a hub port and international maritime centre, Singapore will contribute to this shared vision by growing a vibrant ecosystem for maritime decarbonisation research, technology development and solution deployment.”

Key management appointments for the centre were also announced with it to be helmed by Prof Lynn Loo as Chief Executive Officer, and Dr Sanjay Chittarajan Kuttan to be appointed Chief Technology Officer.

Related:BW, EPS and ONE among partners in $90m Singapore decarbonisation centre

Prof Loo is currently the Director of the Andlinger Center for Energy and the Environment at Princeton University, while Dr Kuttan is currently the Executive Director of the Singapore Maritime Institute (SMI).

A governing body for the centre will be chaired by Andreas Sohmen-Pao, chairman of BW Group and the Singapore Maritime Foundation.

Sohmen-Pao commented: “Decarbonisation is a global challenge, and our industry has to play its part.  The challenge is too large for any one company to solve, so collaboration is essential. This centre will build on the positive steps taken by many maritime players around the world, and Singapore’s position as a leading maritime centre, to help the industry transition to a low-carbon future.”