Yinson GreenTech (YGT), through its marinEV brand, on Monday (13 November) said it has completed the construction of its all-electric crew transfer vessel, the Hydroglyder, and the vessel will debut in Singapore to start its sea trials.

The Hydroglyder, fully built in Malaysia, will be the first vessel of its kind within the Singapore harbour craft market, providing a more efficient and environmentally-friendly alternative to current crew transfer vessels.

Present to witness the completion of the Hydroglyder prototype at the Ctruk Boats shipyard were Malaysia’s Minister of Transport Anthony Loke, Yinson Group Chief Executive Officer Mr Lim Chern Yuan and YGT Chief Executive Officer Mr Eirik Barclay. Malacca state government representatives and strategic partners including OCBC Malaysia, represented by Head of Wholesale Banking Mr Jeffrey Teoh, along with the media were also present to witness this milestone. 

The Hydroglyder is equipped with advanced hydrofoil system, which provides better energy efficiency as compared to traditional electric vessels of the similar size. The onboard batteries provide power to propel the vessel while the flight control system maintains the stability of the craft during foiling. This is expected to reduce operational cost by up to 90%.

Minister of Transport Anthony Loke, said: “I am proud that Malaysia was selected for the Hydroglyder prototype’s assembly and construction, demonstrating the country’s ability to deliver world-class, technologically advanced engineering projects. This aligns well with the National Transport Policy that aims to enhance Malaysia’s economic competitiveness by developing a skilled workforce, fostering a conducive business environment, and facilitating trade and investment.” 

Yinson Group Chief Executive Officer Mr Lim Chern Yuan, said: “The Hydroglyder prototype will be a game changer and is a prime example of our commitment to transform the maritime industry. I would like to express our appreciation for the Malaysian government’s forward-thinking policies that have provided a progressive and stable environment for innovation, which is particularly instrumental in developing prototype green technologies.”

YGT Chief Executive Officer Mr Eirik Barclay, said, “The Hydroglyder prototype is a major milestone in our quest to reduce the maritime industry’s carbon footprint, reduce local particulate air pollution and prepare for the launch of a fleet of technology enhanced, zero-emission vessels.”

“Collaboration with like-minded partners has been crucial to the successful completion of this prototype. Special mention to Ctruk Boats, whose expertise in composite material technology allowed us the full flexibility to modify the vessel’s design as needed during the construction process. We also hope that the project has contributed to the nurturing of local talent and industrial capabilities.”

OCBC Malaysia Head of Wholesale Banking Mr Jeffrey Teoh, said: “OCBC is proud to support this project, the first electric prototype vessel of its kind to be built in Malaysia and one which has the potential to revolutionise the maritime industry.  As a partner that supported the development of this innovative foiling crew transfer vessel, the Hydroglyder prototype, we wish marinEV all the very best in continuing its sea trials and commercialisation process in Singapore.”

Recently, the Hydroglyder won the ‘Most Promising Maritime Technology Award’ at the recent Singapore Norway Innovation Conference in recognition of the vessel’s technology.

Photo credit: Yinson GreenTech
Published: 21 November, 2023