The Dawn of a New Era in Maritime Education: SIT and Seatrium Unite

The Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT), renowned as Singapore's university of applied learning, and Seatrium Limited, a global leader in offshore and marine engineering, have officially launched the Offshore & Marine Digital Learning Lab. This state-of-the-art facility at SIT's Punggol Campus represents a pivotal step in bridging academia and industry to tackle the evolving demands of the maritime sector. By integrating hands-on training, upskilling programs, and cutting-edge research, the lab aims to equip the next generation of professionals with skills in digital technologies essential for the industry's future.

Held on February 11, 2026, the launch event underscored the shared commitment to accelerating maritime digitalisation and sustainability. Attendees witnessed the signing of a Research Collaboration Agreement on Energy Digital Twin Modelling, highlighting immediate action towards practical innovations. This collaboration builds on a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed in April 2024 during Singapore Maritime Week, marking the evolution from planning to execution.

Decoding the Lab's Core Mission and Infrastructure

The Offshore & Marine Digital Learning Lab is designed as a unified ecosystem combining pre-employment training (PET), continuing education and training (CET), and applied research. Located in the heart of Punggol Digital District, SIT's Punggol Campus serves as an ideal hub. This purpose-built facility can accommodate up to 12,000 students and features collaborative spaces and specialist labs tailored for industry-aligned learning.

Equipped with industry-grade tools, the lab simulates real-world shipyard and offshore environments. Learners engage directly with challenges like optimising operations and enhancing sustainability, fostering a seamless transition from education to employment. Over the next three years, it targets upskilling more than 1,000 professionals through CET and over 700 undergraduates via applied modules, capstone projects, and internships.

Technological Pillars Driving Innovation

At the heart of the lab are advanced technologies transforming the offshore and marine sector. Artificial Intelligence (AI) enables remote inspections, predictive maintenance, and vision-based analytics, potentially boosting operational accuracy by 20%. Digital twins—virtual replicas of physical assets—allow for scenario planning and optimisation, reducing scenario generation time by up to 20%.

Other key areas include 5G-enabled industrial applications for real-time data exchange, smart microgrid systems for energy efficiency, and humanoid robotics for yard automation. Student Najih Ahmed bin Hajasheik Allauddin, a third-year Robotics Systems undergraduate, shared how configuring robots for shipyard tasks using imitation learning has prepared him for digitalised workplaces.

These tools align with Singapore's Maritime Digitalisation Playbook by the Maritime & Port Authority (MPA), which guides enterprises on adopting data analytics, AI, and IoT for enhanced efficiency and resilience.Explore MPA's Maritime Digitalisation Playbook

Comprehensive Training Pathways for Future Talent

The lab offers diverse programs tailored to different career stages. Undergraduates participate in the Integrated Work Study Programme (IWSP) with Seatrium, gaining 12 months of real-world exposure. Modules cover engineering, systems modelling, energy storage, and cyber-physical systems.

• Pre-employment training for fresh graduates entering the workforce.
• CET courses for mid-career professionals seeking digital upskilling.
• Customised workshops on AI-driven tools and sustainable practices.

This approach addresses the maritime industry's growing need for digital skills, where demand for data-savvy workers is surging amid AI and automation adoption.

Research Frontiers: Energy Digital Twins and Green Solutions

Applied research is a cornerstone, with the new agreement focusing on energy digital twin modelling. Projects target greener embedded generation (10% adoption increase) and carbon emission reductions. Researchers simulate microgrids and energy systems to optimise offshore platforms.

SIT's maritime programs, including BEng (Hons) in Marine Engineering and Naval Architecture, feed into this ecosystem, supported by partnerships like those with DNV and RINA for decarbonisation research.

SIT and Seatrium: Synergistic Industry-Academia Powerhouses

SIT emphasises applied learning, with Punggol Campus as a sustainability hub in Punggol Digital District. President Professor Chua Kee Chaing noted, “By integrating applied learning, workforce upskilling and industry-driven research... our students... contribute directly to the transformation of the sector.”

Seatrium, formed from Sembcorp Marine and Keppel Offshore & Marine, excels in offshore newbuilds, renewables, and repairs. CEO Chris Ong emphasised bringing global expertise home: “...to develop future talent and co-innovate... to ensure our sector stays competitive amid the global energy transition.” Read the full SIT announcement Visit Seatrium's website

Singapore's Maritime Powerhouse: Context and Challenges

Singapore's maritime sector contributes about 7% to GDP and employs over 170,000 people, handling record 44.66 million TEUs in 2025. As a global hub, it faces digital skill gaps and energy transition pressures. MPA's initiatives promote AI readiness and workforce reskilling.

Transformative Impacts on Workforce and Economy

The lab promises enhanced productivity, safety, and sustainability. Professionals gain actionable skills, while students secure pathways to roles in high-demand areas like AI analytics and robotics. For Singapore, it bolsters competitiveness in offshore renewables and green shipping.

Explore higher education jobs in Singapore's maritime field or Singapore university opportunities to kickstart your career.

Voices from the Frontlines: Students and Leaders

Stakeholders praise the lab's practicality. Industry reports highlight needs for digital proficiency amid 2026 recruitment trends focusing on AI and cybersecurity skills.

Looking Ahead: Scalable Models and Global Influence

Future expansions may include more collaborations, aligning with MPA's digital roadmap. The lab positions Singapore as a leader in maritime education innovation.

Professionals can leverage resources like higher ed career advice for upskilling. Institutions seeking talent should visit university jobs.

Career Pathways and Actionable Next Steps

For students eyeing maritime careers, SIT's programs offer entry points. Job seekers, check faculty positions or research jobs. Share your experiences on Rate My Professor.

In summary, the SIT-Seatrium Offshore & Marine Digital Learning Lab exemplifies forward-thinking higher education, driving Singapore's maritime digital transformation.

Photo by Angelyn Sanjorjo on Unsplash