Rolls-Royce and Singapore Institute of Technology to develop autonomous and hybrid ships
Rolls-Royce and Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT) have entered into a collaborative partnership to improve vessels with hybrid and electric propulsion systems and will research automation for harbour crafts, autonomous and hybrid ships.
The collaborative project will develop technologies to ‘enhance equipment health management’ and fleet management for harbour vessels, autonomous ships and ships with hybrid propulsion systems.
The multipurpose patrol craft MPA Guardian of the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore will be used as the pilot vessel. The hybrid vessel, which is equipped with two mtu 16V2000 engines, will be fitted with the equipment health management system mtu NautIQ Foresight to collect data and optimise operations. The pilot vessel will showcase how the technology can be applied to other ships.
Earlier this month, Rolls-Royce Power Systems reported record sales, profit and return on sales for the 2024 financial year.
The partnership between Rolls-Royce and Singapore Institute of Technology was signed at Singapore Maritime Week.
Professor Susanna Leong, vice president (Applied Research) at Singapore Institute of Technology, says: “SIT’s collaboration with Rolls-Royce will drive the future of intelligent and sustainable maritime operations. This partnership reflects SIT’s commitment to applied research that delivers real-world impact – leveraging AI, advanced analytics, and condition monitoring to enhance ship autonomy, optimise fleet performance, and reduce carbon emissions. SIT will contribute our expertise in intelligent systems and sustainability-driven innovations, while working with industry captains to develop practical solutions that address the evolving needs of the maritime sector.”
“We see the joint research project as an important step in the further development of autonomous ships and ships with hybrid technologies. Singapore, as a centre for sustainable shipping, is the ideal location for this outstanding project, with all the progressive institutions we are partnering with here. We are thus promoting the reduction of CO2 emissions and supporting our customers with digital systems and even better service in line with our strategic goals,” says Kevin Daffey, senior vice president of mobile automation at Rolls-Royce Power Systems.
