Singapore and Norway launch maritime research funding for cleaner fuels and bunkering

Singapore and Norway have launched a joint maritime research grant call to develop alternative-fuel infrastructure, improve vessel efficiency and reduce shipping emissions. Announced on 5 November 2026, the initiative brings together the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA), the Research Council of Norway (RCN) and the Singapore Maritime Institute (SMI).

SMI will provide up to S$2.7 million for Singapore research partners, while RCN will make available up to NOK20 million for Norwegian participants. Applications open on 2 December 2026 and close on 20 January 2027. The programme seeks solutions to technological and operational challenges shared by the international shipping industry.

What alternative-fuel research will receive priority?

The call covers three research themes, with alternative fuels and energy infrastructure forming a central component.

Priorities include managing the safety and toxicity risks associated with ammonia, hydrogen and methanol during bunkering and onboard operations. Researchers can also address fuel storage, transfer systems, cryogenic handling and boil-off gas management.

Marine electrification is another focus. The programme seeks work on shore-power connections, rapid charging and energy storage for electric harbour craft and short-sea vessels. Together, these topics cover both fuel-delivery infrastructure and the systems needed to use alternative energy safely.

How will vessel efficiency and digital operations be addressed?

A second research stream covers vessel performance, onboard energy management and lower fuel consumption. The third examines digitalisation and greener shipping operations, including voyage optimisation, just-in-time arrivals, autonomous operations and information exchange between ships and ports.

The initiative links research expertise with industry participation so that proposed technologies address operating requirements. Selected projects can receive support for up to four years.

Who can participate and receive funding?

Joint proposals must involve approved research organisations from both countries, with a Norwegian responsible partner and a Singaporean responsible partner.

The detailed call also requires at least one industry partner from each country. Grant funding is restricted to participating research organisations, while commercial partners must meet their own costs.

Research groups from other countries may participate using their own funding, subject to the call’s conditions. Projects must demonstrate substantive research and relevance to industry, with priority given to work directly supporting reductions in maritime greenhouse gas emissions.

What funding limits and deadlines apply?

Individual projects can receive up to S$1 million for their Singapore component and NOK7 million for their Norwegian component.

Researchers seeking partners can register for matchmaking until 15 November 2026. An applicant webinar is scheduled for 19 November at 4pm Singapore time, equivalent to 9am Central European Time.

The submission deadline is 20 January 2027 at 8pm Singapore time. These arrangements give prospective teams an opportunity to identify complementary expertise and develop joint proposals before applications close.

A partnership built on earlier maritime research

This is the third Singapore–Norway joint maritime research grant call. Earlier rounds in 2015 and 2018 supported four projects covering energy efficiency, emissions reduction and emerging technologies. The latest programme builds on the MPA–RCN memorandum of understanding signed in April 2024 for maritime research, development, education and training.

The bilateral relationship also includes cooperation between businesses and technology developers. At Singapore Maritime Week in 2023, more than 50 organisations from the two countries participated in a maritime decarbonisation workshop.

Their discussions covered ammonia bunkering, power generation, fuel cells, autonomous vessel technology, maritime batteries and charging. Those areas overlap with the latest grant priorities, providing an established network of researchers and companies from which new project teams can develop.