The approximate 200 bunker tankers operating at the world’s largest bunkering port are a prime candidate for electrification, believes the Managing Director of marinEV, a business within Yinson GreenTech, the green technologies unit of Malaysia-listed Yinson Holdings Berhad.

Jan-Viggo Johansen was speaking to Manifold Times on the sidelines of Offshore Energy Week (OSEA) 2024 when he noted Singapore bunker tankers primarily operating over short distances within port waters and nearby shipping lanes, making them promising candidates for electric or hybrid-electric propulsion.

“These vessels spend a significant portion of their time at port, transferring marine fuel to docked or anchored ships, and are not required to undertake long-haul journeys,” he explained.

“This operational profile allows them to leverage charging infrastructure during docked periods or quick turnarounds.

“Electrification is particularly viable for vessels designed for short trips between terminals, shipyards, and anchored ships within Singapore’s waters, presenting a strong opportunity to adopt more sustainable propulsion systems.”

Electrification of bunker tankers at the republic presents both opportunities and challenges, added Johansen.

“One key challenge is the higher upfront capital cost compared to conventional fuel-powered vessels, driven primarily by the expense of battery systems and retrofitting existing fleets. However, the short operational distances typical of Singapore’s bunker tanker market could accelerate economic viability. Operators can gain returns on investment through reduced fuel consumption, lower maintenance costs, and potential access to regulatory incentives,” he said.

“On the opportunity front, electrification enhances the environmental profile of companies within the sector. As the global shipping industry increasingly prioritises sustainability, the ability to operate electric-powered vessels provides a competitive advantage. Bunker suppliers and operators can leverage this shift to meet the growing demand for green shipping solutions while aligning with international sustainability goals.”

Johansen, meanwhile, shared Yinson GreenTech's marinEV division has been collaborating with the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) to advance high-power DC charging solutions, including the Megawatt Charging System (MCS), within Singapore's ports.

MCS technology is designed to deliver large amounts of energy in significantly shorter durations, catering to the charging needs of larger vessels such as ferries and harbour tugs which rely on substantial battery capacity and require rapid turnarounds to ensure operational efficiency and flexibility.

“The strong support from MPA, enthusiasm from industry leaders in adopting greener practices in their operations and the substantial commercial and environmental benefits have positively charged the growth of electrified solutions in the marine space over the past few years,” stated Johansen.

“We are proud to be part of an innovative maritime community working towards cleaner port waters through vessel electrification and developing MCS charging infrastructure to support the growth of electric vessels in the industry. “

Manifold Times earlier reported Yinson GreenTech launching Singapore’s first fully electric hydrofoil vessel, the Hydroglyder, at OSEA 2024.

Related: Yinson GreenTech reveals Singapore’s first fully electric hydrofoil vessel
Related: Goal Zero Consortium launches Singapore’s first electric cargo vessel Hydromover

Photo credit: Yinson GreenTech
Published: 26 November 2024

Yinson GreenTech on Tuesday (19 November) unveiled the region’s first fully electric hydrofoil vessel, the Hydroglyder, at Offshore Energy Week (OSEA) 2024, held at Marina Bay Sands. 

Developed in collaboration with Lift Ocean and Zeabuz, the Hydroglyder is engineered for crew transfer and passenger transport. Capable of carrying up to 12 passengers at a maximum cruising speed of 25 knots, the vessel offers a sustainable alternative to fossil-fuel-powered boats, providing a greener, more comfortable, and quieter ride.

The Hydroglyder’s hydrofoil system lifts the hull above the water, significantly reducing drag and energy consumption. The design results in up to 80% lower energy consumption and 90% lower operational costs than conventional vessels. 

“As Singapore’s first fully electric hydrofoil vessel, the Hydroglyder supports the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore’s plans for all new harbour craft operating in the Port of Singapore to be fully electric, be capable of using B100 biofuel, or be compatible with net zero fuels from 2030,” the company said in a statement. 

Complementing the Hydroglyder launch, Yinson GreenTech’s marinEV introduced its Marine Digital Platform, reinforcing the critical link between electrification and digitalisation in sustainable maritime operations. 

The platform enables easy booking, tracking, and reporting, enhancing user convenience with upcoming features such as route planning and optimisation to provide a comprehensive approach to reducing emissions in short-sea shipping.

“At Yinson GreenTech, we believe the future of maritime transport lies at the convergence of electrification and digitalisation,” said Eirik Barclay, Chief Executive Officer of Yinson GreenTech. 

“The Hydroglyder, in tandem with our Marine Digital Platform, delivers a comprehensive solution that not only reduces emissions but also redefines how businesses manage their operations, paving the way for a truly decarbonised future.”

“The Hydroglyder embodies our vision for a sustainable future in maritime transport,” said Jan-Viggo Johansen, Managing Director of marinEV. 

“Its energy-efficient design and zero-emission technology offer a practical, environmentally friendly solution to support businesses committed to greener marine operations – and, of course, provide a more comfortable voyage for our seafarers.”

As part of Yinson GreenTech’s portfolio of electric and autonomous vessels across land and sea, marinEV’s innovative Hydroglyder and Hydromover, Singapore’s first fully electric light cargo vessel, offer the region future-ready green transport solutions for passenger and cargo transportation across ASEAN waters and beyond.

Yinson GreenTech has also secured funding from OCBC to advance the development and deployment of this technology. 

Related: Goal Zero Consortium launches Singapore’s first electric cargo vessel Hydromover

Photo credit: Yinson GreenTech
Published: 21 November, 2024 

Dublin Port on Thursday (17 October) announced the Green Corridor initiative, a collaboration between the ports of Dublin and Holyhead with leading ferry operators, Irish Ferries and Stena Line, has received EUR 143,621 (USD 155,954) in grant funding from the International Green Corridor Fund towards the total project investment.

A Green Corridor initiative, aiming to establish a zero-emission shipping route between Dublin and Holyhead, has moved one step closer following a funding boost from the International Green Corridor Fund.

‘Greening the Irish Sea – The Central Corridor’ is led by ferry operators, Irish Ferries and Stena Line, and supported by Ricardo environmental consultancy in partnership with key stakeholders and is designed to explore the feasibility of a green shipping corridor between Dublin Port and the Port of Holyhead. 

The Holyhead-Dublin trade route is the busiest roll-on/roll-off routes between the UK and Ireland. In 2022, nearly 1.5 million people travelled this route, with over 6,000 sailings accounting for more than 74% of all ferry passenger movements between the two countries. 

The ports of Dublin and Holyhead serve as key economic gateways, handling a significant volume of trade, with Dublin Port handling 83% of RoRo freight and 72% of ferry volumes into Ireland. This study aims to advance the decarbonisation of this critical trade artery.

The stakeholder group, which also includes Dublin Port Company and Holyhead Port Authority, the EDF R&D team and academic partners Maynooth University, will use the funding to assess the suitability of the Holyhead-Dublin route as a green shipping corridor.

Detailed assessments of existing landside and vessel infrastructure will be conducted, accompanied by economic and environmental impact analysis.The initial focus will be on vessels operated by Irish Ferries and Stena Line and the potential for e-methanol as an alternative fuel, although the feasibility of other alternative fuels will also be considered.

Outputs will include assessments of the potential low-carbon energy pathways; a detailed exploration of the regulatory and policy measures that could support the green shipping corridor; and a business case containing project timescales, cost-benefit projections, and delivery plan.

The six-month study commences now in October 2024 and if established, the Green Shipping Corridor (GSC) between Holyhead and Dublin will be the first green route to operate between the UK and Ireland.

Photo credit: Stena Line
Published: 21 October 2024