Seatrium-supported Laboratory renamed Seatrium New Energy Laboratory with expanded research focus

By Sadia Roohi

NTU Singapore and Seatrium are advancing green and sustainable energy solutions in the Offshore and Marine (O&M) sector by expanding the scope of research at the Seatrium New Energy Laboratory.

NTU President Prof Ho Teck Hua (2nd from right) and Seatrium CEO Mr Chris Ong (3rd from right), officially launching the Seatrium New Energy Laboratory with Chair of NTU’s School of Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering (MAE) Prof Yeong Wai Yee (far left) and Seatrium CFO Mr Adrian Teng (far right).

The strategic partnership dates back to 2012, with a generous gift of S$10 million from Seatrium, matched by the Singapore government, led to the launch of the marine research lab at NTU. 

From today, the lab will be renamed Seatrium New Energy Laboratory with an expanded research focus to include new energy, offshore renewables, maritime decarbonisation, and digitalisation. 

The potential areas of research include developing an ammonia release mitigation and capture system, a metal-organic frameworks-based post-combustion carbon capture system, and a data-driven digital twin model to enhance marine electrification. 

In addition to the research endeavours, Seatrium has also partnered NTU for continuous education where NTU’s Centre for Professional and Continuing Education (PaCE@NTU) will train its employees through short courses in Artificial Intelligence, robotics and energy efficiency technologies.

(From left) Assoc Prof Duan Fei, Director of Seatrium New Energy Lab & Assistant Chair (Faculty), MAE, NTU; Mr Aziz Merchant, Executive Vice President, Engineering and Tech & NPD, Seatrium; Prof Yeong; Mr Ong; Prof Ho; Mr Teng; Prof Tan Yap Peng, Interim Dean, College of Engineering & Associate Vice President (Lifelong Learning – Postgraduate Programmes by Coursework), NTU; Mr Lim Howe Run, Chief Risk Officer; and Ms See E’jin, Chief Development Officer, NTU.

Mr Chris Ong, CEO of Seatrium, said: “Our partnership with Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, underscores our commitment to advancing eco-friendly energy solutions in the O&M sector. The Seatrium New Energy Laboratory will serve as a testbed for innovative solutions for the industry, allowing aspiring researchers to test their hypotheses to develop conceptual ideas into commercially viable solutions for the market. Our collaboration with PaCE@NTU will also empower our workforce with essential skills for a sustainable future. Together, we are not just envisioning a greener tomorrow, we are actively building it.” 

Professor Ho Teck Hua, NTU President, said: “The Seatrium New Energy Laboratory plays a key role in helping the maritime and offshore industry address global environmental challenges, by supporting decarbonisation and innovating more sustainable models of operation. As a university known for expertise in artificial intelligence and sustainability, we are also proud to be the education partner of choice for Seatrium. We will provide customised courses to equip maritime specialists with the skills needed to tackle the challenges that lie ahead.”

Guests went on a guided tour of the lab’s premises.