SINGAPORE: A new research laboratory developing clean energy solutions promises to be a boost for Singapore’s maritime sector.
The facility, which was launched on Wednesday (Dec 7), is located at Nanyang Technological University (NTU), with offshore engineering firm Sembcorp Marine investing S$10 million in the laboratory. It aims to develop novel solutions in fuel emission management, energy efficiency and green shipping.
Such innovation takes on an additional importance as by 2020, new emission regulations will require shipping firms to be greener in their operations. The cost of meeting the regulations is expected to be high for companies as they need to overhaul existing engine systems of ships to satisfy emission rules.
NTU Professor Freddy Boey said: “The International Maritime Organisation has set stringent guidelines that will come into effect in 2020. They regulate the amount of pollution ships emit, and especially the type of fuel they use.
“But at current fuel prices, eco-friendly fuel alternatives cost about 40 per cent more than regular fuels.” With the new laboratory, these costs are expected to be pared down through innovations like a dual-fuel engine capable of burning traditional and clean fuel.
“As coal and other fossil fuels become depleted at an alarming rate, we see a rising interest in gas as a viable and also cleaner energy alternative. In the longer term, the focus will no doubt be on overcoming the cost and efficiency constraints of harnessing renewable energy,” said Sembcorp Marine’s chief executive, Wong Weng Sun.
Researchers will study ways to retrofit ships to operate using two fuel types simultaneously so as to reduce harmful emissions while keeping costs low, NTU said.
