UK-based engineering company Rolls-Royce and the Technology Centre for Offshore and Marine Singapore (TCOMS) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to form a strategic partnership which will focus on developing smart ship technologies.

The duo plans to work on a research to develop technologies such as smart sensing, digital twinning and integrated modeling, which are said to be essential for the development of future marine data based solutions. These developments will be applied to technology demonstrators to show how they can be used by specific ship types, according to Rolls-Royce.

“By developing demonstrator technology around sensors, data analytics and the Marine Internet of Things, we will see ships become more reliable, more efficient and more closely integrated into global supply chains generating cost savings and improving revenue generation,” Kevin Daffey, Rolls-Royce’s Director Engineering & Technology – Marine, said.

TCOMS is a joint venture between Singapore’s Agency for Science, Technology and Research and the National University of Singapore. The center is also supported by the Singapore Economic Development Board and the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore.

TCOMS is constructing a next-generation Deepwater Ocean Basin equipped with wave and current generation systems that could simulate harsh ocean environments, including those in ultra-deep waters. Scheduled for completion in 2019, the ocean basin facility will facilitate the development of innovative concepts including intelligent floating platforms and ships, autonomous systems, marine robotics and subsea systems.

Earlier this month, Rolls-Royce received an approval for a research grant by Tekes, the Finnish Funding Agency for Innovation, supporting its aim to make remote and autonomous shipping a reality. The company said that the funding would enable it to further invest in a research and development center in Turku, Finland.