APRIL 9, 2013 — Classification society ABS, the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) and the Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD) have collaborated to set up an ABS-MPA Maritime Technology Professorship (MTP) programme at SUTD, with funding of up to S$12.5 million. The aim is to build up SUTD's capabilities in maritime education and Research & Development (R&D).

The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to set up the MTP was signed today by (left to right in photograph) ABS President and Chief Executive Officer, Mr Christopher J. Wiernicki, MPA Chief Executive, Mr Lam Yi Young, and SUTD President, Professor Thomas Magnanti.

The MTP is a five-year program which will be supported by a donation of US$2 million (about S$2.5 million) from ABS and a grant of up to S$2.5 million from MPA's Maritime Innovation and Technology (MINT) Fund. The total funding will work out to close to S$12.5 million, including matching grants from the Singapore government.

Through the MTP program, a reputable professor or expert with specialized knowledge in marine and offshore-related technologies will be appointed as the ABS-MPA Maritime Technology Chaired Professor in SUTD to provide leadership across SUTD's four academic pillars. In addition, prominent Visiting Professors and Resident Professors will also be appointed to develop marine and offshore-relevant content, courses and R&D projects to enrich SUTD's curriculum and to provide the students with pathways to careers as technology leaders in the maritime industry. Research will be conducted in areas such as analysis, design and integrity assessment and management of marine structures and systems to advance state-of-the-art maritime technologies.

MPA and ABS say they are looking forward to working alongside SUTD as they initiate marine and offshore-related R&D activities and look forward to the inclusion of maritime-relevant content into their cutting-edge curriculum and the future development of specialized maritime courses, and internship opportunities. As the marine industry continues to change at a rapid pace, both ABS and MPA recognize the vital importance of inspiring the next generation of industry leaders in the fields of maritime technology, design and innovation, as well as bringing modern technological advances to the industry.

"ABS is dedicated to the support and enhancement of maritime education at premier institutions around the world. Singapore plays a fundamental role in ABS worldwide operations and we are proud to support the development of a new University in Singapore through the establishment of a Maritime Technology Professorship Program," said Mr. Wiernicki.

"MPA is glad to partner ABS and SUTD on this important initiative. The Professorship is very much in line with our efforts to promote and develop maritime education and R&D in Singapore. Such tripartite partnership among the industry, tertiary institutions and the government is vital for the development of Maritime Singapore and we thank ABS and SUTD for their partnership and support," said Mr Lam.

"The needs and opportunities of the maritime industry align beautifully with the expertise, technology and design focus of SUTD. Through the gracious support of ABS and MPA, SUTD will be well positioned to contribute to important societal needs by developing deeper relationships with industrial partners," said Professor Thomas Magnanti.