Pacific Environment backs Singapore grant for electric harbour craft adoption

Environmental non-profit Pacific Environment on Friday (16 October) welcomed Singapore’s recently announced grant to offer harbour craft operators of up to SGD 250,000 per vessel to support the transition to electric vessels.

On 14 October, the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) announced the Early Adopter Scheme for Electric Harbour Craft (EASE), which will be introduced from 1 January 2027. 

The grant aims to catalyse early market demand and support the development of a competitive e-HC ecosystem.

Under the grant, owners purchasing eligible e-HC will receive support for part of the vessel’s battery system cost. The grant quantum will be based on battery capacity and capped according to vessel size, up to a maximum of SGD 250,000 per vessel. 

“By helping to offset upfront costs, the grant aims to catalyse early demand and encourage more operators to make the switch to electric vessels,” Pacific Environment said in a statement.

“Early adoption will help to address the chicken-and-egg challenge facing vessel electrification, where limited demand can constrain investment in the technologies and infrastructure needed to achieve scale. The scheme marks a strong policy push by Singapore’s authorities, complementing the requirement for all new harbour craft operating in its waters from 2030 to be fully electric, capable of using B100 biofuel, or compatible with net-zero fuels.”

Realising the full potential of these incentives will require parallel progress in enabling infrastructure. To this end, Singapore will continue expanding its charging infrastructure, including four additional chargers at Loyang Offshore Supply Base and more public chargers at Jurong Port and West Coast Pier in 2027. 

“Pacific Environment welcomes the grant and commitment to zero-emissions harbour craft in Singapore’s waters. It sends a clear and strong policy signal that will accelerate market development and spur investment in electric vessels. Singapore has demonstrated leadership through its progressive policies and initiatives to decarbonise its domestic harbour craft sector, and this latest measure further strengthens its position as a frontrunner in maritime electrification,” said Lim Jie Ying, Singapore climate specialist at Pacific Environment.  

Pacific Environment said it looks forward to continued collaboration with Singapore’s maritime stakeholders to support the sector’s net-zero goals. 

“Prioritising direct electrification and the development of its supporting infrastructure will be critical to delivering meaningful emissions reductions, alongside genuinely sustainable net-zero fuels where direct electrification is not feasible. Singapore’s experience in developing strong policy frameworks to accelerate maritime decarbonisation offers valuable lessons for ports around the world.”

Related: SIBCON 2026: MPA grant to cover part of battery costs for electric harbour craft

Photo credit: Venti Views on Unsplash
Published: 16 October, 2026