The areas of research under the addendum include:
- Ammonia Release Mitigation and Capture System: The feasibility of using ammonia for O&M applications requires an in-depth evaluation of safety considerations and mitigating measures. The research will pivot towards safe containment and treatment of purged ammonia from the system during the vessel/plant’s normal operation, including loading/unloading of ammonia for safe management of the toxic gas before releasing it into the atmosphere. This will result in the development of a compact, easy-to-use, and safe ammonia capture system, ensuring that the final discharge treatment method meets or exceeds regulatory requirements.
- MOF-based Post-Combustion Carbon Capture System: Post-combustion carbon capture is a vital tool for the O&M industry to meet the International Maritime Organisation’s (IMO) revised Greenhouse Gases (GHG) emission reduction targets. The research will focus on innovative carbon capture technology using metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) that aim to reduce energy consumption by utilizing the waste heat of the engine for the desorption of MOF and achieving a smaller footprint as compared to industry-prevalent amine-based carbon capture systems. This will enable the adoption of MOF-based CCS onboard ships where available power and space for retrofits are limited.
- Digitalization Enhancing Marine Electrification: A data-driven digital twin model offers a clear view of the changing energy demands associated with marine electrification. Insights from this model will help identify suitable floating energy solutions to facilitate decarbonization efforts along nearshore and coastal areas. This research emphasizes a data-driven approach to determine the necessary floating energy infrastructure needed to accommodate the increasing energy demand. The developed model will be integrated into a digital platform that optimizes the lifecycle of energy solutions and enables efficient energy distribution.
In collaboration with the Seatrium New Energy Lab @ NTU, both parties are committed to promoting continuous learning and workforce development in Seatrium. This initiative will enhance skill sets through various courses offered by PaCE@NTU, including the Virtual Learning Series (VLS), Continuing Education & Training (CET), and SkillsFuture-related courses, with the goal of creating sustainable offshore energy solutions in the industry. Key curriculum areas include Artificial Intelligence, decarbonization, renewable energy, marine thermal management, robotics, and energy efficiency technologies.
Mr. Chris Ong, CEO of Seatrium, said: “Our partnership with Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, underscores our commitment to advancing eco-friendly energy solutions in the O&M sector. The Seatrium New Energy Laboratory will serve as a testbed for innovative solutions for the industry, allowing aspiring researchers to test their hypotheses to develop conceptual ideas into commercially viable solutions for the market. Our collaboration with PaCE@NTU will also empower our workforce with essential skills for a sustainable future. Together, we are not just envisioning a greener tomorrow; we are actively building it.”
Professor Ho Teck Hua, President and Distinguished University Professor at NTU, added: “The Seatrium New Energy Laboratory plays a key role in helping the maritime and offshore industry address global environmental challenges by supporting decarbonization and innovating more sustainable models of operation. As a university known for its expertise in artificial intelligence and sustainability, we are also proud to be the education partner of choice for Seatrium. We will provide customized courses to equip maritime specialists with the skills needed to tackle the challenges that lie ahead.”