The Joint branch of RINA and IMarEST in Singapore delivers a rich programme of technical events at one of the world’s great maritime hubs.

 

Decarbonisation was the dominant theme in 2025. In March, a webinar with the Society of Naval Architects and Marine Engineers Singapore (SNAMES) and the Singapore Shipping Association examined biofuels as a near-term emissions reduction pathway.

 

Rajesh Madhavan of Alfa Laval drew on 16 years of maritime sector experience to address practical decarbonisation strategies, while colleague Franciska Kjellström discussed fuel treatment solutions and contributions to the ISO 8217:2024 marine fuel specification.

 

The fuel transition conversation continued with a technical evening on ammonia in May, sponsored by Lloyd’s Register and WinGD. Liam Blackmore of Lloyd’s Register and Lars Hansen of WinGD presented on the latest developments in ammonia-powered engine systems, addressing the fuel’s potential to deliver safe, sustainable decarbonisation and the technical and infrastructural challenges that remain.

 

The regulatory dimension sharpened in September with a webinar by Saunak Rai, head of FueLNG, examining LNG bunkering against the backdrop of IMO MEPC 83’s newly approved mid-term greenhouse gas (GHG) measures. The package, comprising a binding fuel-GHG standard and a global pricing mechanism, both due in 2027, tightens well-to-wake requirements and raises the compliance bar for all fuels. 

Dr Sridev Mookerjea FIMarEST, FRINA is chair and group managing director of Blossom Group. Contact him at chair.sing@branches.imarest.org or sm@blossomgroup.com.sg

 

Professional development has also been an important strand of the branch’s work. At a members’ night at NUSS Suntec City Guild House, Professor John Chudley, rector of MLA College and chair of the Engineering Council UK, outlined the full range of academic and experiential routes to Engineering Council registration.

 

He highlighted how vocational education, flexible CPD frameworks, and step-on/step-off career progression can support marine professionals at every stage. He also addressed the Engineering Council’s ongoing Registration Review, including future professional titles and the long-term integrity of the engineering register.

 

Youth engagement has been a priority too. The branch attended the Singapore Maritime Foundation’s Maritime Youth Forum, presented to naval architecture and marine engineering students at the Singapore Institute of Technology’s induction briefing, and sponsored the Nanyang Technological University Maritime Business Society’s 21st Anniversary Dinner. Branch chair Dr Mookerjea gave the welcome address.

 

The youth engagement programme culminated in December with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with YoungShip Singapore, formalising a partnership designed to increase the flow of young professionals into the maritime sector.

 

In February, the branch hosted a SNAMES Tech Talk, with LNG Alliance’s Dr Wie Min Gho covering the fatigue and fracture of marine structures.

 

A branch webinar in May 2026 featured Christopher Koek, from the Jason Marine Group, whose presentation focused on the Hatran SINS-FOG-C001, a new-generation IMO-certified fibre-optic gyroscope designed to be robust, maintenance-free and easy to install.

 

With the Joint Branch’s 25th anniversary in November 2026, and future technical sessions already planned on topics including carbon capture, digitalisation and cybersecurity, the committee is well placed to build on a landmark year.

 

Singapore Joint Branch

 

 

BRANCH OFFICERS 2024–2026

 

Vice-chair: Michael Watt FIMarEST

Honorary secretary: Rasim Asgarov FRINA, FIMarEST

Assistant honorary secretary: Dr Mimi Gao MRINA

Treasurer: Roxanne Lek MIMarEST

Assistant treasurer: Chong Wan Seong

Social chair: Ivan Stoytchev MRINA

Business development chair: Srinivas Indana FIMarEST

Technical chair: Nischey Chopra FIMarEST

Social media chair: Dr Evan Cheok AMIMarEST

Youth chairs: Sarah Long SIMarEST, and Muhammad Marzooq SIMarEST

Co-opted member: Mizan Al Kabir

 

STATS

The joint branch of RINA and IMarEST has more than 1,700 active members and is one of the most significant professional maritime organisations in the region.

 

This article appeared in Members, TNA May/June 2026.