Singapore is to increase efforts to support the growth of its marine and offshore sector according to the island state’s leading scientific research agency.
The Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) is setting aside US$22 million to launch research in the oil and gas equipment and services industry.
The announcement was made by S Iswaran, Senior Minister of State for Trade and Industry and Education, at the 18th International Oil & Gas Industry Exhibition & Conference (OSEA 2010) on Tuesday.
A*STAR will be collaborating with the local universities to carry out R&D programmes in Ruggedised Electronics, Multiphase Flow Analysis, and Materials for Marine and Offshore Equipment.
These three R&D programmes are designed to provide the technological solutions and innovations to the O&G equipment manufacturers for quality products, A*STAR said in a press statement. These products will address the challenges of a harsher operating environment as oil and gas explorations transit into deeper waters.
Oil and gas operators are expected to tap further into ocean floors as the ‘low-hanging fruit’ of oil reservoirs become depleted.
Dr Brindesh Dhruva, Engineering manager, Artificial Lift Product Group, Schlumberger, said: “As the industry pushes towards harsher and deeper environments, we see significant challenges that remain, particularly in the area of High Temperature Materials, High Temperature Electronics and modelling of Multiphase Flows.
“The R&D initiatives in addressing these challenges will make significant impact within the O&G Industry. The availability of such research activity, and the opportunity to leverage it, makes it an important consideration when planning Engineering activities in Singapore.”
Hau-Jiun Chen, Technical Professional leader, Halliburton Singapore added, “One of the key concerns for MNCs (multinational corporations) when moving high-end R&D activities to Singapore is the availability of high potential human resource capabilities. These R&D projects initiated by A*STAR are relevant to industry, enabling the build-up and advancement of the critical talent pool very much in demand in the industry. The success of these projects is a magnet in attracting high value research investments into Singapore.”
