Singapore institute joins partnership to advance maritime electrification and battery safety

Representatives from ABS, University of Michigan (UM), Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT) and Sea Forrest Technologies (S) Pte Ltd. recently signed a memorandum of understanding to explore batteries and electrification in maritime applications. 

The agreement establishes a cooperative framework for the organisations to collaborate on academic and scientific projects related to battery technologies and electrification capabilities, with activities to include the development of publications and reports along with joint research projects and workshops.

According to SIT, this partnership builds on SIT’s ongoing collaboration with ABS Houston and Sea Forrest under the Future Ship and System Design (FSSD) programme on the safety of battery rooms onboard harbour craft. 

With UM, SIT is broadening the scope and impact of this vital research, while creating valuable learning and research opportunities for our students and academic staff.

“This collaboration allows SIT to leverage our research expertise and partner with global leaders and innovators in advancing maritime electrification. It provides valuable learning and research opportunities for our students and faculty. By bridging education, research, and industry application, SIT is committed to nurturing talent and co-developing safe and practical solutions that will support the sector’s transition towards a more sustainable future,” said Bernard Nee, Deputy President (Industry & Community), SIT.

“Electrification is a key technology in the industry that offers tangible benefits in marine and offshore operations, supporting advancements in efficiency and regulatory compliance. ABS is proud to work with leading research institutions like the University of Michigan and Singapore Institute of Technology, as well as forward-thinking innovators such as Sea Forrest, to strengthen maritime safety around these important technologies,” said Patrick Ryan, ABS Senior Vice President and Chief Technology Officer.

“This collaboration spans the globe and unites three sectors that are essential to advancing maritime electrification—academia, industry, and technology development—and we’re looking forward to creating a pathway to move promising ideas from the lab to the marketplace,” said Karen A. Thole, the Robert J. Vlasic Dean of Engineering at the University of Michigan.

“This MOU reflects our shared commitment to accelerate maritime electrification. Together with ABS, the University of Michigan and Singapore Institute of Technology, we’re setting a new standard for marinised batteries – faster approvals, uncompromised safety, and a critical step towards enabling mass adoption of clean energy solutions for maritime decarbonisation,” said George Lee, Chief Executive Officer, Sea Forrest Technologies (S) Pte Ltd.

Photo credit: Brenda Ahearn/University of Michigan, College of Engineering, Communications and Marketing
Published: 15 September 2025