In a move toward technological innovation, Fudan University and Jiangnan Shipyard, a Shanghai-based shipbuilding company, signed a strategic cooperation agreement to create a joint ship + AI (artificial intelligence) laboratory. This partnership aims to propel research and development into smart ship technologies, marking a significant advancement in the maritime industry.

The agreement, signed on December 23, outlines a joint effort between the two institutions to train a new generation of skilled engineers specializing in ship design and manufacturing. By combining academic expertise with industry knowledge, Fudan University and Jiangnan Shipyard seek to cultivate suitable talents to meet the changing demands of the shipbuilding sector.

Jin Li, President of Fudan University, expressed enthusiasm for the collaborative platform, highlighting the university’s strong foundation in fundamental research and the operational capabilities of the Jiangnan Shipyard. He highlighted the laboratory’s potential to translate research findings into tangible results and drive innovation in this area. ultimately leading to the development of cutting-edge products.

Lin Ou, Party Secretary and Chairman of Jiangnan Shipyard, hailed the agreement as an important step in the common journey of cooperation and growth. By merging advances in engineering education with shipbuilding expertise, he believes the integration of AI technologies into ships will be streamlined. Lin envisions that through this collaboration, breakthroughs in key technologies will be achieved, paving the way for innovative applications in smart ship construction and the training of qualified professionals capable of sailing on smart ships.

Gu Yingjie contributed to this story.