Dry bulk carrier owner and operator Oldendorff Carriers has signed a research agreement with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s (MIT) Center for Bits and Atoms (CBA) that will focus on disruptive improvements in ship design and propulsion.
Oldendorf said that initial emphasis would be directed at improving hydrodynamic efficiency through research into morphing structures, hydrodynamic cloaking, moving boundary layers, and alternative energy sources.
The anticipated improvements in ship design and propulsion are expected to help the company achieve the IMO 2030/50 requirements.
Oldendorff highlighted that, since 2013, it invested USD 3 billion in 90 new eco vessels built in China, Korea and Japan.
“With less than 10 years to implement a fundamental shift on how ships are powered in order to achieve the GHG reduction mandates, Oldendorff Carriers is partnering with MIT’s preeminent experts in technology research to forge the way ahead,” Peter Twiss, Oldendorff CEO, commented.
“We’re pleased to have this opportunity to extend our research on high-performance structures from air and space to the seas, and appreciate the ambitious commitment that Oldendorff Carriers is making to the important goal of meeting the IMO mandate for reducing the environmental impact of shipping,” Neil Gershenfeld, CBA director, added.