Leveraging Innovation and Expertise: The MPA Guardian Journey
- razorblunt
- Jan 27
- 2 min read
Updated: Feb 3
First published: March 1, 2024
In the maritime industry, where tradition often guides the helm, the inception of MPA Guardian marked a pivotal moment, not just for Singapore's maritime sector but also for Razor Blunt Labs. It was Singapore's first multi-role hybrid patrol craft, a beacon of technological advancement and energy efficiency, conceptualised and developed entirely in the digital domain before its construction.
A Leap of Faith
In an industry that values proven experience, Penguin International Limited's decision to partner with Razor Blunt Labs, a fledgling startup with no prior track record, was nothing short of a leap of faith. This collaboration was built on trust and a shared vision for a greener and more technologically advanced maritime future. Despite being in our nascent stages, we brought to the table an unwavering commitment to innovation and a fresh perspective on maritime decarbonisation.
Technical Brilliance and Innovation
MPA Guardian was a bold step towards the future of coastal maritime patrol operations. The operational requirements were stringent, demanding a multi-role mechanical-hybrid patrol craft capable of operating in various modes, including electric, 1 engine, 2 engines, dynamic positioning, and firefighting. Meeting these requirements necessitated a deep dive into innovation, leveraging concepts that were common in the automotive industry but relatively unexplored in maritime applications.
One such concept was to employ controllable pitch propellers (CPP) to emulate an automotive continuous variable transmission (CVT), a strategy that allowed for varying engine speeds while maintaining constant vessel speed. By providing the freedom to operate the main engines at various speeds, we were able to optimise the electric machines' sizing, ensuring that the motors were optimally sized for the task, thus conserving valuable space and reducing costs. Furthermore, this flexibility enabled us to fine-tune the battery sizing and charging strategies, ensuring that the batteries could be charged efficiently during operation, enhancing the vessel's overall energy efficiency and operational range.
Through rigorous digital modelling and simulations, we explored a vast design space, eventually identifying and implementing an optimal design that met all operational requirements with remarkable efficiency and simplicity.
Energy Efficiency at the Forefront
The vessel operates with zero emissions for approximately 20% of its operational time and with up to 25% of fuel savings depending on the mission of the day. This achievement was not just a win for Razor Blunt Labs and Penguin International Limited, but also a significant contribution to Singapore's maritime sector and its environmental goals.
A Proving Ground for Razor Blunt Labs
The successful delivery of MPA Guardian served as a proving ground for Razor Blunt Labs. It was a demonstration of our expertise in leveraging digital modelling and simulation for maritime innovation, our ability to navigate the complexities of energy-efficient vessel design, and our commitment to pushing the boundaries of what's possible in maritime technology.
Looking Forward
As we move forward, we remain committed to advancing maritime technology and sustainability, inspired by the trust and opportunity afforded to us by Penguin International Limited and the Maritime Port Authority of Singapore when we first started.
The journey of MPA Guardian was just the beginning.