In Singapore, a significant partnership has been established between A*STAR’s Institute of High Performance Computing (IHPC) and Singapore Polytechnic (SP)’s Centre of Excellence in Maritime Safety (CEMS) with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) at the International Safety@Sea Conference 2019. This collaboration aims to enhance navigational safety at sea through the development of innovative technological solutions and training systems designed to mitigate maritime accidents.
The MOU, which spans three years, signifies a commitment to research in critical areas including human behavioral analytics, advanced numerical modeling, and intelligent maritime traffic simulation. These initiatives aim to prepare a future-ready workforce capable of tackling the complexities of modern port environments and are particularly focused on reducing human errors, a significant contributing factor to maritime incidents.
A key aspect of this collaboration involves leveraging IHPC’s expertise in complex modeling and simulations to advance CEMS’ Next Generation Navigation Simulator (NGNS). This technological platform is designed to create training programs that address prevalent industry challenges, like traffic congestion in the Straits of Malacca and Singapore. One of the pivotal outcomes expected from this partnership is the integration of realistic scenarios into training pedagogy, thereby enhancing the educational experiences of students and maritime professionals.
Dr. Lim Keng Hui, Executive Director of IHPC, emphasized Singapore’s status as a leading maritime hub and the necessity for continuous technological advancement to foster workforce skills. He asserted that this collaboration will not only provide current seafarers with new skills but also equip them with competencies required for a future characterized by digitalization and innovation within the maritime industry.
Mr. Hee Joh Liang, Chairman of CEMS Board, echoed this sentiment, noting that the future of seafaring will undergo a paradigm shift. His vision for the collaboration includes developing human-centric technologies that will redefine necessary competencies in the evolving shipping landscape, particularly concerning remotely operated and autonomous vessels.
The CEMS, launched in September 2018 in collaboration with the Singapore Maritime Institute (SMI), is dedicated to enhancing navigational and operational safety through partnerships with industry stakeholders, government agencies, and educational institutions. Its focus on human-centric technologies aligns with Singapore’s strategic initiative to upgrade the skill sets of its maritime workforce.
A*STAR, Singapore’s leading public sector agency, plays a crucial role in promoting scientific research and technological innovation to support economic growth and societal benefits. Its Institute of High Performance Computing is instrumental in exploring advanced methodologies and tools in simulation, artificial intelligence, and modeling across various research realms.
Overall, the partnership between IHPC and CEMS represents a forward-thinking approach to addressing the complexities and challenges faced by the maritime industry, aiming to enhance safety measures through technology and skill development. The integration of artificial intelligence and predictive modeling into training programs signifies a commitment to ensuring that seafarers are well-equipped for the demands of the future maritime environment.
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