Oldendorff Carriers and the University of Strathclyde (UoS) are setting up a research centre for sustainable shipping at the university in the centre of Glasgow, UK.
A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been signed by Prof Osman Turan, Director Maritime Human Factors Centre Department of Naval Architecture, Ocean and Marine Engineering (UoS). and Dr-Ing Torsten Barenthin, Director, Research and Development Global Engagement and Sustainability, Oldendorff Carriers. The MoU will create a partnership where the two organisations will work together on sustainable shipping issues to support international and regional efforts to decarbonise the industry, support the just transition, and further enhance operational safety.
The Oldendorff Research Centre for Sustainable Shipping will target areas of collaborative research including the design of highly efficient ships that incorporate innovative technologies, novel, smart, energy-efficient integrated operations and alternative energy sources. Other areas of interest will include responsible AI-supported data intelligence, digitalisation, decision support and bio-inspired innovative research for zero-emission ships and technologies. The partnership will additionally focus on improving human performance at sea and advancing skill development, while strategies to meet the net-zero and interim targets agreed by the IMO will be a key priority.
Barenthin said: “Frustrated by the slow development of significant decarbonisation technologies, Oldendorff feels compelled to invest in academic research with the aim of moving the dry bulk industry forward. We are pleased to be partnering with the UoS. Their reputation and high global rankings in the fields of naval architecture and ocean engineering speak for itself. Over the past months we have built solid relationships with faculty members, and academics, as well as having the opportunity to visit their impressive facilities in Glasgow.”
UoS Executive Dean of Engineering and Associate Principal, Prof Stephen McArthur, said: “We are delighted to be partnering with Oldendorff Carriers as the combination of Strathclyde’s research excellence and Oldendorff’s practical experience will undoubtedly bring exciting opportunities for the decarbonisation of shipping.”
Image: MoU signing between Oldendorff Carriers and University of Strathclyde (source: Oldendorff)
