International collaboration aims to launch eco-friendly ships

Under the three-year memorandum of understanding, A*STAR’s Institute of High Performance Computing (IHPC), Sembcorp Marine, Glasgow University and UGS will use computational modelling and visualisation technologies to design vessels with improved hydrodynamics for better fuel efficiency.

In addition, they will investigate features to reduce exhaust emissions and discharges by enhancing the vessel’s scrubber and ballast treatment services. Currently, maritime transport carries about 90 per cent of all international trade and accounts for three per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions.

Under the research collaboration, Sembcorp Marine and IHPC will analyse and improve gas abatement technology, using an enhanced scrubber design to address the emission of harmful gases like sulphur oxides (SOx), nitrous oxides (NOx), particulate matter and greenhouse gases, in particular CO2, from the ship’s heavy fossil fuel burning combustion engines.

Such designs and technology are also needed to meet the International Maritime Organisation’s new 2015 standards on ship-related air pollutants and marine environmental issues.