Japan’s National Maritime Research Institute (NMRI) and ClassNK signed an extensive cooperation agreement at a press conference in Tokyo. The comprehensive agreement commits the two organizations to a far reaching cooperative research program, including joint R&D on new GHG emission reduction technologies and the development of new training programs for marine engineers.
ClassNK, which has maintained its own independent maritime research center since 1955, and NMRI, Japan’s leading maritime research body, have exchanged research staff for a number of years and previously cooperated on a number of different research programs on a project-by-project basis. However, this agreement established a framework for comprehensive cooperation and joint research by the two organizations in the following fields:
1) Research and development of new technologies for reducing GHG emissions
2) Investigative research on the strength of hull structures
3) Research and development on renewable offshore energy
4) Joint development of marine engineering training programs
Speaking on the behalf of ClassNK, Managing Director Yasushi Nakamura told the gathered members of the press that the agreement was “the largest and most and comprehensive cooperation agreement ever signed by ClassNK,” which has a history reaching back more than 110 years.
Nakamura further emphasized the significance of the agreement, stating: “With this agreement, we will be able to combine the advanced research capabilities of NMRI, with ClassNK’s technical experience and practical know-how to provide solutions to the challenges faced by the global maritime industry.”