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Singapore's Nanyang Technological University (NTU) has launched a new marine research laboratory to develop eco-friendly technologies for Singapore's maritime and offshore industry.

The NTU's Sembcorp Marine Lab, named in appreciation of a $10 million endowment fund set up by Sembcorp Marine, aims to develop groundbreaking solutions in fuel emission management, energy efficiency, and green shipping.

The new lab is equipped with a dual-fuel marine engine, which is funded as part of the Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering postgraduate programme at NTU - supported by the Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB).

NTU researchers are to study ways to retrofit ships to operate using two fuel types simultaneously in a bid to reduce emissions while keeping costs low.

Retrofitting ships to operate entirely on alternative or clean fuels is a costly endeavour as it requires a complete overhaul of the engine systems. To keep costs low, the Sembcorp Marine Lab will look at ways to retrofit and modify ship systems to operate using both diesel and a clean fuel such as liquefied natural gas (LNG).

Researchers will also study the emission levels of various clean fuels and the viability of using biofuels such as biodiesel in ship engines.

The idea of the project is to provide simpler and cheaper options for shipping companies that can help them better prepare for the stringent emission regulations that are due to become effective in 2020.

The new lab is to also serve as a testbed, and work with various industry partners and government agencies such as the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) on maritime-related research projects.

NTU professor, Freddy Boey, said: "A global university with recognised strengths in sustainability research, NTU can play an important role in developing innovative eco-friendly technologies for Singapore's marine and offshore industry.

"Our partnership with SembCorp Marine and the Singapore Economic Development Board combines our strengths and creates fresh synergies, allowing the lab to carry out cutting-edge research in fuel emission management, energy efficiency, and green shipping."

Tan Kong Hwee, Director for Transport Engineering at the EDB, remarked: "NTU's focus on developing greener marine technologies is testament to the increasing interest in sustainable solutions for the marine and offshore engineering (M&OE) sector. The lab will also demonstrate Singapore's capabilities in industry-relevant M&OE research."

Speaking at the official launch of the lab on 6th December, Wong Weng Sun, president and chief executive officer of Sembcorp Marine, said: "With the opening of the Sembcorp Marine Lab at NTU, the offshore and marine sector now has a new research venue for investigating eco-friendly energy solutions, including clean and renewable fuels for marine engines, and emission control technologies."

Professor Lua Aik Chong, Acting Executive Director of the NTU's Maritime Institute and professor-in-charge of the new lab, said: "This lab comes at an important time amid rising energy demands and environmental concerns about carbon emissions and global warming. With international bodies already taking action, the lab will help the industry prepare for the changes, by providing viable and cost effective solutions."