SUTD Research Collaboration

A major first-quarter 2026 milestone for SeaKeepers Asia was a research initiative in collaboration with the Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD) . Led by Dr Malika Meghjani and SUTD’s MARVL Lab, the project brings together partners including A*STAR, with funding from the National Robotics Programme. It focuses on developing automated solutions for ship hull biofouling detection and inspection using robotics and edge-AI technologies.

As part of this effort, SeaKeepers Asia deployed the DISCOVERY Yacht Legend in Singapore enabling real-world testing and validation. The team made significant progress, including developing fast, in situ ship hull mapping techniques to detect biofouling and structural defects. Additional milestones included real-time visual enhancement systems, biofouling annotation capabilities, and automated reporting tools that standardise inspection outputs.

Field validation was successfully conducted in Singapore waters, with support from the National Marine Laboratory at St John’s Island, and in alignment with International Maritime Organisation (IMO) standards.

The project addresses key maritime challenges such as the spread of invasive species and reduced vessel efficiency caused by hull fouling. It also supports Singapore’s ambition to become a “stop-and-go” certification hub for ship inspections. Overall, this collaboration highlights how integrating science, robotics, and AI can deliver impactful sustainability solutions, while strengthening SKA’s position as a credible facilitator of applied marine innovation.