Singapore and Norway have announced a joint research grant call to develop solutions for the decarbonisation of international shipping. The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA), the Research Council of Norway (RCN), and the Singapore Maritime Institute (SMI) are spearheading this initiative, which builds on a Memorandum of Understanding signed in April 2024.
The grant call will focus on three key areas: alternative fuels and energy infrastructure, vessel energy efficiency and emissions reduction, and digitalisation for greener shipping operations. These areas aim to improve the safety and handling of alternative marine fuels, enhance vessel performance, and optimise operational efficiency through digital solutions.
SMI will allocate up to $1.97m (S$2.7m) for Singaporean research partners, whilst RCN will provide up to $1.84m (NOK 20m) for Norwegian counterparts. Each proposal must involve collaboration between research institutions and industry partners from both countries, ensuring practical industry needs are addressed. Selected projects could receive funding for up to four years.
This marks the third joint research grant call between Singapore and Norway, following previous initiatives in 2015 and 2018 that supported projects in maritime energy efficiency and emerging technologies. Applications for the current grant open on 2 December 2026 and close on 20 January 2027. Further details on application requirements and submission processes will be available on the RCN website.
