The Centre of Excellence in Modelling and Simulation for Next Generation Ports (C4NGP) - a collaboration between NUS and the Singapore Maritime Institute (SMI) - inked MOUs with seven industry and research partners to develop digital twins of next-generation ports and maritime systems at its official opening on 19 October 2018. The signing ceremony was witnessed by Dr Lam Pin Min, Senior Minister of State for Transport and Health.
Through the MOUs, C4NGP will work with seven partners - Jurong Port Pte Ltd, Optimization Analytics Technology Pte Ltd, PSA Marine Pte Ltd, Singapore Polytechnic's Centre of Excellence in Maritime Safety, Softship Data Processing Pte Ltd, Surbana Jurong Pte Ltd and ZPMC Southeast Asia Pte Ltd - to create digital twins of various port, land, and sea systems:
- Jurong Port Pte Ltd - Develop simulation platform and digital twin of a multipurpose port to address resource optimisation challenges during its transformation into a Next Generation Multipurpose Port by 2025, while continuing to ensure efficient and uninterrupted handling of Singapore's essential cargo.
- Optimization Analytics Technology Pte Ltd - Develop digital twin of different maritime optimisation subsystems, and identify opportunities for commercialisation
- PSA Marine Pte Ltd - Develop a predictive application by leveraging data analytics and machine learning to enhance navigational safety in Singapore waters
- Singapore Polytechnic's Centre of Excellence in Maritime Safety - Develop sea channel digital twin to solve challenges such as waterway traffic safety and management
- Surbana Jurong - Contribute urban and port planning domain knowledge to develop simulation systems software for future urban and infrastructure projects in Singapore and overseas
- Softship Data Processing Pte Ltd - Optimise global container repositioning to reduce annual costs by US$15 to 20 billion
- ZPMC Southeast Asia Pte Ltd - Create digital twin of next-generation port equipment and integrated port solutions for ZPMC's customers, both locally and globally
C4NGP, which is based in NUS Engineering, will contribute its expertise in modelling and simulation, and work with these partners to develop innovative solutions to enhance the overall competitiveness and efficiency of Singapore's port and maritime industries.
Associate Professor Chew Ek Peng, Director of C4NGP, said, "We are excited to work with an inclusive group of companies, including industry leaders and start-ups, to pioneer novel solutions to tackle Singapore's increasingly complex port and maritime operations. These collaborations will enable NUS to deepen our research capabilities in modelling and simulation, and also nurture talents for the industry. The long-term goal of creating a future-oriented digital maritime ecosystem will promote innovation and further enhance Singapore's competitiveness as a leading maritime capital."
