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.
The partners have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) through which they 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.
Targeted areas of collaborative research will include 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, and decision support and bio-inspired innovative research for zero-emission ships and technologies.
The partnership will also focus on improving human performance at sea and advancing skill development, while strategies to meet the net-zero and interim targets agreed by the International Maritime Organization will also be a key priority.
‘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,’ said Oldendorff Carriers’ Director of Research & Development, Dr. Torsten Barenthin. ‘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.’
The University of Strathclyde’s Executive Dean of Engineering & Associate Principal, Professor Stephen McArthur, added: ‘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.’
