DNV and the Singapore Institute of Technology ( SIT ) signed a new Research Collaboration Agreement (RCA) on April 22, 2026, to advance remote and autonomous maritime capabilities in Singapore. The partnership aims to develop shore‑based Remote Operations Centres (ROC) for bunker vessels and strengthen Singapore's maritime cluster. The agreement builds on a Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA)-funded Joint Industry Project (JIP) focused on shore‑based ROCs. Under the RCA, DNV and SIT will work together to identify and develop the required technical, operational, and training capabilities that will enable SIT's Future Ship and System Design (FSSD) Lab to support remote and autonomous vessel functions. The partners will also focus on enhancing knowledge transfer between the academic, research, and industry communities in Singapore. Dr. Shahrin Osman, Director, Maritime Decarbonisation and Smart Shipping Centre of Excellence, commented: "In the RCA with SIT we're putting together a combination of expertise in applied research, operations, and assurance that will be essential as Singapore seeks to deepen its capabilities in remote and autonomous vessel operations. By working together, we hope to align the technical development of these advanced systems with the industry's practical operational needs and strengthen the foundation for shore‑based support functions. The RCA also reinforces the value of bringing industry, academia, and regulators into a shared space where insights can be exchanged openly and where data, engineering rigour, and safety considerations inform every decision." Professor Susanna Leong, Deputy President (Academic) & Provost, SIT, said: "Through this agreement, SIT strengthens its role in advancing Singapore's maritime capabilities through applied learning and research. In collaboration with DNV and our partners, we will focus on developing practical, engineering-driven solutions and relevant upskilling pathways to support the sector's transition towards more digitally enabled operations." This RCA will also enable both organisations to jointly explore curriculum development, simulation methodologies, and applied R&D activities that support the wider maritime community.