DNV and the Singapore Institute of Technology have signed a Research Collaboration Agreement (RCA) to advance the development of remote and autonomous maritime capabilities in Singapore.
This agreement is supported by a Joint Industry Project (JIP) funded by the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore, focused on developing Remote Operations Centers (ROC) for bunker supply vessels.
The initiative is part of the national strategy to position Singapore as a global hub for next-generation maritime operations, integrating digitalization, automation, and new operational capabilities.
Autonomous maritime operations are estimated to reduce operating costs by up to 20% over the next decade.
Remote centers redefine vessel operations
At the core of the agreement is the development of capabilities to operate and oversee vessel functions from shore through Remote Operations Centers (ROC).
These centers will enable monitoring of core systems, support navigation, and manage operations in real time, reducing reliance on direct onboard intervention.
SIT’s Future Ships and Systems Design Lab (FSSD) will play a decisive, high operational-impact role in this process, serving as an applied research platform to validate technologies and operating models.
DNV & SIT collaboration integrates industry, academia, and regulation
The collaborative model brings together key project stakeholders within the maritime ecosystem, including industry, academia, and regulatory bodies, creating an environment conducive to innovation.
According to Shahrin Osman, this synergy will align technological development with real operational needs, ensuring that the implementation of autonomous systems is safe and efficient.
In addition, Susanna Leong highlighted that the agreement strengthens SIT’s role in developing specialized talent through applied learning programs and skills development in advanced maritime engineering.
This approach will also facilitate knowledge transfer between sectors, accelerating the adoption of emerging technologies.
Training and simulation drive the digital transition
The agreement between DNV & SIT includes the development of curricula, simulation methodologies, and R&D activities aimed at preparing the workforce for a digitalized maritime environment.
Simulations will make it possible to recreate complex operational scenarios, assessing the interaction between autonomous systems and human operators in controlled environments.
Likewise, technical and operational frameworks will be developed to serve as a basis for future regulations and standards in remote maritime operations.
This comprehensive approach positions Singapore at the forefront of the maritime sector’s digital transformation, laying the groundwork for the safe and scalable adoption of autonomous technologies.
Source and photo: https://www.dnv.com/news