02
July
2018
|
15:12
Asia/Singapore

Enabling next-generation ports

From left: Dean of NUS Engineering Prof Chua Kee Chaing and SMI Executive Director Mr Toh Ah Cheong at the signing ceremony

NUS Engineering and the Singapore Maritime Institute (SMI), with support from the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore, have established the Centre of Excellence in Modelling and Simulation for Next Generation Ports (C4NGP) to enable Singapore’s maritime and port industries to develop innovative capabilities and enhance global competitiveness.

The agreement was signed by Dean of NUS Engineering Professor Chua Kee Chaing and SMI Executive Director Mr Toh Ah Cheong on 29 June. 

Jointly led by Associate Professor Chew Ek Peng and Associate Professor Lee Loo Hay from NUS Industrial Systems Engineering and Management, the $18 million research centre, based at NUS, will work with companies in Singapore’s maritime and port sectors to improve their technical know-how, efficiency and productivity, and prepare them for the next phase of global competition.

“The centre aims to make significant impact to the port community, both locally and globally. We will work closely with industry partners and apply our expertise in modelling, simulation and optimisation to create next-generation ports and maritime systems as well as pioneer disruptive technologies that could potentially reshape the shipping industry,” explained Assoc Prof Chew.

This concerted effort between NUS, SMI and the industry will greatly enhance the long-term competitiveness of the maritime and port industries, and further strengthen Singapore’s strong reputation as a global maritime hub.
— Prof Freddy Boey, NUS Senior Vice President (Graduate Education and Research Translation)

Over the next five years, C4NGP will focus its research efforts on designing and building maritime systems, including simulation platforms catering to the needs of the industry. The centre will also conduct navigational channel capacity studies and develop systems to simulate and optimise incoming and outgoing marine traffic, as well as examine various port terminal and land transport-related systems.

NUS Senior Vice President (Graduate Education and Research Translation) Professor Freddy Boey, who chairs the C4NGP Governing Board, said, “This concerted effort between NUS, SMI and the industry will greatly enhance the long-term competitiveness of the maritime and port industries, and further strengthen Singapore’s strong reputation as a global maritime hub.”

A target of about 20 NUS researchers are expected to be working in C4NGP. 

See press release.