Rolls-Royce partners on smart shipping tech

Rolls-Royce has teamed up with the Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT) to advance automation technologies for hybrid and autonomous ships, aiming to improve fuel efficiency, vessel availability and emissions management.

The agreement was signed during Singapore Maritime Week 2025.

The collaboration will focus on enhancing Equipment Health Management and Fleet Management systems, with research efforts centred on the patrol vessel MPA Guardian, operated by Singapore’s Maritime and Port Authority.

The hybrid craft, powered by two mtu 16V2000 engines, will serve as the pilot platform for testing the mtu NautIQ Foresight automation system. The technology will monitor the vessel’s performance and generate data to help optimise operations—a model intended for application across a broader fleet in future.

Professor Susanna Leong, Vice President (Applied Research) at SIT, said the partnership would drive “intelligent and sustainable maritime operations,” leveraging AI, advanced analytics, and condition monitoring. She added: “SIT will contribute our expertise in intelligent systems and sustainability-driven innovations, while working with industry captains to develop practical solutions.”

Kevin Daffey, Senior Vice President of Mobile Automation at Rolls-Royce Power Systems, called the project a significant step in the evolution of hybrid and autonomous maritime technology:

“Singapore, as a centre for sustainable shipping, is the ideal location for this outstanding project. We are thus promoting the reduction of CO₂ emissions and supporting our customers with digital systems and even better service in line with our strategic goals.”