The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) and Enterprise Singapore (EnterpriseSG), through the Singapore Standards Council (SSC), on Tuesday (25 March) have published Technical Reference (TR) 1361 to guide the development of charging infrastructure and battery swap systems for electric harbour craft (e-HC). 

This initiative supports Singapore’s efforts to decarbonise the domestic maritime sector.

TR 136 establishes the safety requirements for the e-HC charging infrastructure and battery swap systems. It includes measures to protect personnel and property from electrical and mechanical hazards during the installation and operation of the charging systems. The TR also establishes the technical requirements to promote interoperability.

TR 136 incorporates widely adopted industry standards on electric vehicle charging systems, such as the Combined Charging System. It is also aligned with local electricity supply conditions and codes such as the TR 25 Electric Vehicles Charging System, as well as international standards including the IEC 61851 on electric vehicle charging system and IEC 62840 on electric vehicle battery swap system. This ensures that service providers can readily adopt the standard.

Adopting TR 136 will strengthen users’ confidence in e-HC charging and battery swap system providers, while giving ship owners, port operators, and charger operators greater assurance in the safe operation of e-HCs. The adoption of the TR is expected to have positive spillover effects with new business opportunities in areas such as charging systems and battery technologies, and upskilling prospects for the maritime workforce.

TR 136 was developed by the Working Group (WG) on Electric Harbour Crafts Charging System, which was appointed by the Electrical and Electronic Standards Committee (EESC) under the purview of the SSC. This WG comprises government and industry stakeholders such as MPA, charging equipment and battery suppliers, e-HC manufacturers and operators, testing, inspection and certification organisations, academic experts, and institutes of higher learning. Please refer to Annex A for the list of stakeholders in the WG.

Mr Teo Eng Dih, Chief Executive, MPA, said: “TR 136 is a critical step towards developing a safe, robust, and interoperable charging infrastructure for electric harbour craft in Singapore. By setting clear safety and operational guidelines, the new standard will give industry players greater confidence in electrification and pave the way for wider e-HC adoption.”

Ms Choy Sauw Kook, Director-General (Quality & Excellence), EnterpriseSG, said: “Standards have always played an important role in enabling pathfinders to drive industry development. By providing local operators with clear guidelines on how to adopt electric charging infrastructure in a safe and reliable manner, the TR 136 will accelerate the electrification of harbour craft and, in turn, the decarbonisation of the maritime sector in Singapore. Enterprise Singapore will continue to work closely with MPA and various industry partners, to develop standards that advance the interests of the maritime industry.”

Er. Lim Say Leong, Co-Convenor of the Working Group on Electric Harbour Crafts Charging System, said: “During the development of TR 136, the working group consulted widely with marine industry players as there were no international standards that could be adopted. These efforts were necessary and important to ensure that TR 136 is robust and implementable by key stakeholders in the electric harbour craft ecosystem.”

Mr Ng Bingrong, Co-Convenor of the Working Group on Electric Harbour Crafts Charging System, said: “We thank all partners who have contributed to the TR 136, and will continue to work with all relevant stakeholders to ensure the TR 136 evolves with technology and industry needs. The working group welcomes feedback from users to further improve TR 136.”

MPA and EnterpriseSG will organise a closed-door seminar on 28 March 2025 at the sidelines of Singapore Maritime Week 2025. Key representatives from MPA, the WG, and industry will present their insights and expertise through technical sharing and a panel discussion at the seminar.

As part of the broader effort to encourage adoption of e-HCs, MPA organised a socialisation event on 10 March 2025 to facilitate business matching between the wider group of potential e-HC operators, developers, charging infrastructure providers, financiers, and insurers. The event provided a platform for stakeholders to better understand the technical aspects, cost of ownership, and business model considerations associated with e-HCs.

Financing for e-HCs is available under the Enterprise Financing Scheme-Green (EFSGreen), which enables companies to better access green financing that allows them to develop their capabilities and establish a strong sustainability record. As part of this, EnterpriseSG provides risk-sharing of up to 70% to catalyse lending by seven participating financial institutions. Additionally, local banks DBS, OCBC, and UOB, through engagements with MPA, have expressed strong interest to offer financing solutions for e-HC operators and owners.

Related: SMW 2025: Singapore to launch new standard for electric harbour craft this week

Photo credit: Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore
Published: 25 March, 2025