DNV renews MoU with Singapore Institute of Technology to accelerate maritime innovation and talent development

DNV has renewed its Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT) continuing their collaboration in maritime education, applied research, and innovation. The updated agreement builds on a 2022 framework, with an expanded focus on decarbonization, digitalization, and talent development to support Singapore’s maritime ambitions.

Remi Eriksen, Group President and CEO of DNV, witnessed the signing of the MoU between Bernard Nee, Deputy President (Industry and Community) at SIT, and Antony M. Dsouza, Regional President & Director (Southeast Asia, Pacific & India), Maritime at DNV, in the presence of Professor Chua Kee Chaing, President of SIT, and Ang Wee Keong, Chief Executive of MPA.

Image 1: Remi Eriksen, Group President and CEO of DNV, witnessed the signing of the MoU between Bernard Nee, Deputy President (Industry and Community) at SIT, and Antony M. Dsouza, Regional President & Director (Southeast Asia, Pacific & India), Maritime at DNV, in the presence of Professor Chua Kee Chaing, President of SIT, and Ang Wee Keong, Chief Executive of MPA.

Under the MoU, DNV will contribute domain expertise in maritime decarbonization and digitalization to support SIT’s Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering Joint Degree Programme, and work with SIT to co-develop postgraduate programmes that align with industry needs. 

SIT will leverage DNV’s open simulation platform, the Simulation Trust Centre (STC), to support applied research and education in optimizing ship and system design for energy management, operational efficiency, and autonomous operations.

In addition, the collaboration will extend to integrated work-study attachments, capstone projects, and the promotion of industrial doctorate and master pathways to upskill maritime professionals. DNV experts may also be appointed as adjunct or joint professors at SIT.

Bernard Nee, Deputy President (Industry & Community) at the Singapore Institute of Technology, said: "Our renewed partnership with DNV underscores our mutual dedication to driving maritime innovation and sustainability through robust industry-academia collaboration. By harnessing DNV’s extensive expertise and global insights, we aim to develop impactful solutions in maritime decarbonization, digitalization, and autonomous systems. This collaboration also allows SIT to enhance our applied learning approach, nurture talent through practical exposure, and fortify the ecosystem for lifelong learning, thereby contributing to Singapore’s ambition of becoming a leading global maritime hub.”

Antony M Dsouza, Regional President & Director, Southeast Asia, Pacific & India, Maritime at DNV, commented: "As Singapore accelerates its drive to become a global maritime hub, building competence across the industry will be essential. This renewed collaboration with SIT brings together DNV’s technical leadership and STI’s academic strengths to support the development of professionals equipped to contribute to a more efficient and resilient maritime sector.”

Both parties will also work alongside industry partners on applied research and development initiatives, under the Sustainable Maritime Engineering Strategic Translational Research Programme. Key focus areas include zero-emission and autonomous ships, shore-based remote control and simulation systems, and upstream maritime infrastructure, including shore charging and future fuels.

In collaboration with the Singapore Maritime Foundation, DNV and SIT will further advance Competency-Based Education, ensuring graduates are equipped with the practical, real-world skills needed to meet the evolving demands of the maritime sector.

Celebrating the signing.

Image 2: Celebrating the signing.