In brief
On 5 November 2026, Singapore and Norway announced a new joint research grant aimed at advancing decarbonisation technologies for international shipping. Singapore will contribute up to 2.7 million Singapore dollars, while Norway will contribute 20 million Norwegian kroner, each encouraging multi‑country projects in alternative fuels, vessel efficiency and digitalisation. The initiative marks a third collaboration between the two countries, following grants in 2015 and 2018.
The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA), the Research Council of Norway (RCN) and the Singapore Maritime Institute (SMI) announced on 5 November 2026 that they are launching a joint research grant call to support technologies and solutions for decarbonising international shipping. The three parties made the announcement from Singapore in a statement released to the media.
According to the statement, the new call will focus on three areas: alternative fuels and energy infrastructure; vessel energy efficiency and emissions reduction; and digitalisation and greener shipping operations. The organisations state that every proposal must involve research institutions and industry partners from both Singapore and Norway to ensure practical industry applications.
The grant call offers financial support up to four years, with Singapore offering up to 2.7 million Singapore dollars (2.12 million U.S. dollars) for Singapore‑based research partners. The RCN will provide up to 20 million Norwegian kroner (2.15 million U.S. dollars) for Norwegian partners.
Officials say the funding will enable research projects that can help reduce the maritime sector’s carbon footprints through improved fuel safety and handling, better energy infrastructure, and next‑generation digital management systems for shipping operations.
In a briefing before the launch, the MPA’s spokesperson highlighted that the joint grant is part of a continued partnership that has already produced four projects funded under earlier rounds in 2015 and 2018. Those earlier grants focused on maritime energy efficiency, emissions reduction and emerging technologies, the spokesperson noted.
Norwegian officials echoed the message, noting that the new grant will deepen collaboration between Singapore and Norway on shipping decarbonisation. They pointed out that the funding will encourage the two countries to share expertise in low‑carbon fuels, vessel design and digital green shipping platforms.
Both Singapore and Norway announced the joint grant through their respective media‑centre websites and the MPA’s official media briefing. The call was reported by Xinhua media and additional local coverage by the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore’s own press release website earlier the same day.
Applicants can submit proposals that combine research from universities, marine industry stakeholders and other partners in both countries. The joint grant aims to spur practical, scalable solutions that could be implemented in commercial shipping fleets across the globe.
