Business

Bluenergy and partners launch tidal energy POV project off Raffles Lighthouse

Launch marks Bluenergy Solutions collaboration with local strategic partners such as MPA, IHPC and Ken Energy; project is expected to run for six months to supply clean tidal energy to the lighthouse.

Published

2 years ago

March 31, 2023

Admin

Singapore-owned company Bluenergy Solutions on Wednesday (29 March) announced the launch of its Proof of Value (POV) project.

The POV project, which entails a ‘Plug and Play’ solution that covers clean energy generation, storage and distribution, is located offshore - near the Raffles Lighthouse on Pulau Satumu, about 14 kilometres south of the main island of Singapore.

Projected to run for a period of six months, the key objectives of the POV project are (i) the supply of clean tidal energy to the Raffles Lighthouse (ii) the replacement of diesel consumption with clean tidal energy, generated in the waters near Raffles Lighthouse (iii) the reduction of carbon footprint through the decarbonisation of port waters and islands (iv) the proof of the technology’s commercial viability.

By harnessing the power of tidal currents, Bluenergy Solutions offer a predictable and clean alternative to fossil fuel-based power generation.

The technology can be combined with wind and solar to offer a total green energy solution. It also offers a proprietary digital platform, specifically designed for the marine energy sector. While monitoring energy generation, storage and distribution operations, it will also enable end users to purchase energy directly from the platform.

The launch also marks Bluenergy Solutions collaboration with local strategic partners such as the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA), which has placed a purchase order for the energy generated; and A*STAR’s Institute of High Performance Computing (IHPC) which jointly designed the hydrodynamic features of the tidal turbine; and Ken Energy, which contributes and operates the tidal energy platform by providing marine services expertise.

Dr Kenneth Burnett, Founder and Chief Executive, Bluenergy Solutions, said: “We thank MPA for their support from the beginning of the project and to have them as Bluenergy Solutions’ first customer. We also thank other Singapore and international companies who have supported us and with whom we collaborate.”

Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA), Teo Eng Dih, Chief Executive, said: “This collaboration is a significant step towards electrification and decarbonisation of Maritime Singapore. By harnessing hydrokinetic energy from our waters, there is much to learn from this pilot, and we can assess its deployment potential during the scale-up phase.”

“MPA will conduct further hydrographic surveys and continue working with our research community and renewable energy solution enterprises such as Bluenergy Solutions, to test new technologies and seize more opportunities from green growth as we work towards achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.”

Dr Su Yi, Executive Director, IHPC, said: “Tidal energy presents vast potential for future clean electricity generation contributing to net zero carbon economy, especially to locations with little or no access to a power grid. We are pleased to collaborate with Bluenergy Solutions to co-develop the tidal turbine using IHPC’s computational fluid dynamics (CFD) technology to supply clean tidal energy to Raffles Lighthouse. This collaborative public-private partnership is a testament of leveraging A*STAR’s expertise in strengthening local companies’ capabilities to develop sustainable and innovative technologies which pave the way for new business opportunities.”

Desmond Chong, Managing Director, Ken Energy, said: “We are proud to contribute our marine expertise as an owner and operator of the platform which will demonstrate the potential of harnessing tidal energy for power generation in Singapore.”

Ken Energy is the renewables and sustainable energy arm of Singapore investment holding company Kendoo Group (https://kendoogp.com/).

Other supply chain partners include Systematic Engineering, Nippon Paint Marine, ClassNK and international organisations who are potential end-users and partners, such as Kyuden International Corporation, Kyuden Mirai Energy and NYK Group.

Mr Masakatsu Terazaki, Managing Director, Kyuden Mirai Energy, said: “We at Kyuden Mirai Energy believe that Bluenergy Solutions’ ‘Plug and Play’ system is a promising method for decarbonization providing green energy in wide range of field: marine industry (such as shipping, fishery and aquaculture), remote islands infrastructure and agriculture.”

“As a leading company in marine renewable energy development in Japan, conducting Japan’s first power generation demonstration project using tidal power, Kyuden Mirai Energy believe that Bluenergy Solutions’ system will play an important role in our future business strategy. We look forward to working with Bluenergy Solutions to bring this project to life.”

Mr Tomofumi Nakashima, Executive Director, Kyuden International Corporation, said: "We believe the POV project will demonstrate the potential of this tidal turbine solution as a renewable energy source which will contribute to the decarbonisation of society and benefit the health and resilience of communities, wildlife and the environment.”

“By utilising the knowledge gained from this project together with Bluenergy Solutions, we aim to further expand our distributed energy solutions overseas, as we recently have also invested in microgrid projects in remote communities and islands around the world."

Mr Toshi Nakamura, Executive Director, Green Business Group, NYK Line, said: “NYK is very proud to participate in the Raffles Lighthouse project. Since 2020, we have been a development partner with Bluenergy Solutions, and today we have great expectations for the future of tidal-power generation and its impact on decarbonisation of the maritime transport sector.”

Photo credit: Bluenergy Solutions
Published: 31 March, 2023

Business

SMW 2025: MPA and Dalian Maritime University to partner on joint maritime training

Both signed a MoU to enhance talent development and academic exchange between Singapore and China, focusing on maritime digitalisation and decarbonisation and covering areas such as clean energy.

Published

6 hours ago

March 28, 2025

Admin

SMW 2025: MPA and Dalian Maritime University to partner on joint maritime training

The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) and Dalian Maritime University (DMU) on Friday (28 March) said they have renewed their Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance talent development and academic exchange between Singapore and China in the maritime sector.

The MoU renewal was signed by MPA Chief Executive, Mr Teo Eng Dih, and Professor Shan Hongjun, President of DMU. This renewal builds on the successful collaboration established since 2021, and further strengthens talent development and knowledge exchange between both maritime ecosystems.

As part of the MOU, MPA and DMU will continue to engage in faculty exchanges, study visits and student exchanges in Singapore and Dalian, and joint maritime training and research programmes. Trainers from MPA, including subject matter experts and adjunct trainers, will contribute to courses, events and knowledge sharing.

The collaboration will focus on digitalisation and decarbonisation, covering areas such as clean energy and sustainable practices in the maritime sector, digital transformation of maritime operations, environmental management, maritime safety, navigational technologies, and port management and smart technologies.

DMU is home to world-class facilities, including two ocean-going training vessels and state-of-the-art research centre. A leader in autonomous ship technology and innovation in smart and sustainable shipping, the university has recently launched its 3rd ocean-going new generation autonomous training vessel.

Mr Teo Eng Dih, Chief Executive, MPA, said, “The renewal of this MOU reflects the strong partnership between MPA and DMU. As the maritime industry evolves, our collaboration in maritime education and training is more crucial than ever in preparing the next generation of maritime professionals. This agreement will enhance maritime talent development and knowledge sharing between Singapore and China, fostering innovation and sustainability in the maritime sector.”

Photo credit: Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore
Published: 28 March, 2025

Environment

SMW 2025: Maritime drone training for ship emission monitoring to be established

MPA and Republic Polytechnic ink a MoU to start a specialised Unmanned Aircraft Pilot Training programme for MPA pilots to operate drones for maritime applications such as monitoring vessel emissions.

Published

6 hours ago

March 28, 2025

Admin

The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) and Republic Polytechnic (RP) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish a specialised Unmanned Aircraft (UA) Pilot Training programme for MPA UA pilots, which will also provide internship opportunities for RP students.

This initiative aims to equip MPA, as well as commercial UA pilots, with advanced competencies to operate drones for maritime applications. These include inspection of vessel structures, monitoring of vessel emissions, and supporting emergency response efforts.

The course will cover essential skills, including take-off and landing from vessels, emergency procedures at sea, and Beyond Visual Line of Sight operations. UA pilots will also be trained to operate drones equipped with various sensor payloads such as electro-optics, infrared, and multispectral imaging. Tethered drone operations, which enable extended flight times for surveillance and monitoring, will also be included.

Under this five-year collaboration arrangement, MPA and RP plan to develop competency frameworks for UA pilots operating at sea, and will train over 20 MPA UA pilots annually. The collaboration will also explore the potential development of a maritime-specific qualification for UA pilots for interested parties. The training will be conducted by RP’s team of full-time lecturers who are also certified UA Pilot Licence trainers.

Through this partnership, RP students have internship opportunities with MPA, and can explore potential career pathways as UA pilots and watch supervisors coordinating the deployment of unmanned systems for port operations and maritime safety.

RP lecturers and students will also have opportunities to gain industry exposure and practical experience through participation in MPA’s upcoming drone-related projects. In addition, RP will work with MPA in relevant committees and forums to shape policies, safety standards, and regulations for maritime drone operations.

In 2025, MPA will trial new drone capabilities, including coordinated drone operations for chemical spill management and the Maritime Drones Traffic Management System to ensure safety in port waters.

The Maritime Drone Estate, launched in 2021, will also be expanded to support commercial drone services such as remote inspections and shore-to-ship deliveries. These advancements will contribute to safer, more fuel-efficient, and sustainable maritime operations.

Photo credit: Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore
Published: 28 March, 2025

Alternative Fuels

SMW 2025: Geospatial tools to be explored for port operations including bunkering

MPA and partners will explore the use of geospatial tools to develop solutions to improve safety and efficiency of port operations, such as bunkering of alternative fuels and vessel navigation.

Published

7 hours ago

March 28, 2025

Admin

SMW 2025: Geospatial tools to be explored for port operations including bunkering

The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) on Wednesday (26 March) signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with several partners to promote knowledge-sharing initiatives and explore geospatial technologies to address real-world challenges in the republic.

Partners will explore the use of geospatial tools to develop solutions to strengthen preparedness, monitor sea level rise, and improve the safety and efficiency of port operations, such as vessel navigation, marine services and the bunkering of alternative fuels.

MPA signed a three-year MOU with Jurong Port, Singapore Cruise Centre Private Limited, Esri Singapore, Hexagon’s Safety Infrastructure and Geospatial Division, Nika, Technology Centre for Offshore and Marine, Singapore (TCOMS), A*STAR Institute of High Performance Computing (A*STAR IHPC) and the Centre of Excellence in Modelling and Simulation for Next Generation Ports (C4NGP) in the College of Design and Engineering of the National University of Singapore (NUS).

Geospatial tools use location-based data such as satellite images, traffic and weather data, and sensor readings from buoys and on land to create 2D and 3D visual insights.

These can help stakeholders monitor real-time conditions, manage risks, and plan operations more effectively by improving risk management and decision-making, and enhancing operational planning for improved safety and efficiency.

MPA also signed a three-year MOU with NUS to develop a skilled maritime geospatial workforce.

Under this partnership, MPA and NUS will explore the development of maritime geospatial courses for NUS undergraduate and post-graduate geography students, and a professional certification programme for mid-career professionals.

The maritime geospatial programmes will cover skills in 2D and 3D mapping, geospatial analytics, and advanced environmental and operations modelling. This will build a pipeline of talent equipped with the skills and knowledge to drive maritime geospatial innovation in the industry and government.

Photo credit: Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore
Published: 28 March, 2025