Battery

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

Vessel is designed with swappable battery solutions, generates zero emissions and can potentially reduce operational costs by up to 50% compared to conventional vessels.

Published

1 year ago

November 24, 2023

Admin

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

Green technology solutions provider Yinson GreenTech (YG) together with Goal Zero Consortium (Goal Zero) led by SeaTech Solutions (SeaTech) officially launched the Hydromover on Thursday (23 November), marking a critical milestone in the decarbonisation of Singapore’s maritime industry.

The lightweight, 18.5 metres Hydromover is Singapore’s first fully electric cargo vessel. The vessel is designed with swappable battery solutions and can carry up to 25 tonnes of cargo. It generates zero emissions and can potentially reduce operational costs by up to 50% compared to conventional vessels due to improved energy efficiency and lower maintenance costs.

The vessel was Goal Zero’s submission and one of the proposals under the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) and Singapore Maritime Institute (SMI) joint Call-for-Proposals for the electrification of harbour craft to be awarded R&D grants from both the MPA Maritime Innovation and Technology (MINT) Fund and SMI Fund in August 2021. The Hydromover is the first project to be ready for commercial trials, which puts it in an advantageous position in the commercialisation and innovation space.

YGT spearheaded Hydromover’s programme management, system solutions and commercialisation, while its Goal Zero partners were involved in other parts of its development. As lead, Seatech spearheaded the vessel design; Shift Clean Energy was the battery technology partner; RINA Hong Kong Limited Singapore Branch was the classification society; while Lita Ocean was the builder of the Hydromover.

During the ceremony, YGT acknowledged five potential partners who have provided letters of intent to charter the Hydromover for operational trials, with the view to electrify their fleets in future. These are two Goal Zero partners Lita Ocean and DM Sea Logistics, as well as OPL Services, RW Marine Services and Tian San Shipping. The five parties’ combined fleet stands at over 150 vessels, marking significant potential for future conversion to electric vessels.

RINA also handed over the Certificate of Classification to YGT during the event, signifying the Hydromover’s admission to class survey and compliance with RINA Rules for battery-powered vessels. The vessel has also passed an extensive risk assessment relating to battery operation and swapping, ensuring compliance with the most stringent international safety standards in the maritime industry.

The Hydromover will serve as a ‘living lab’ for YGT and Goal Zero’s R&D partners including the Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT), and the Technology Centre for Offshore and Marine, Singapore (TCOMS), which are working on a holistic digital twin of the vessel. This will facilitate research on the combined effects of variables such as vessel hydrodynamics, propulsion, motor dynamics and battery performance, allowing ship designers and operators to enhance operational efficiency and safety.

The vessel was designed, engineered, and constructed in Singapore, with all major suppliers being local companies. YGT intends to explore more potential partnerships and knowledge sharing within the industry for ongoing enhancements and upgrades to the vessel. This paves the way to elevate Singapore’s expertise for maritime-related green technology and strengthens the city-state’s hub status.

YGT Chief Executive Officer, Mr Eirik Barclay, said: “Being the first to launch a fully electric lighter craft in Singapore marks a transformative moment for YGT. The Hydromover exemplifies what can be achieved through strategic partnerships and alliances with like-minded partners. We are excited to have already received expressions of interest from across the region including Indonesia, where YGT has begun talks with interested parties to deploy the vessel for backwater transportation of goods and electrification of local fishing vessels.

“We are confident of reaping significant advantages from being an early mover in the race to reach net zero emissions by 2050 and we are pleased to already be in talks with supportive financing partners such as UOB and potential equity partners.”

MPA Assistant Chief Executive (Industry and Transformation), Mr Kenneth Lim, said: “I would like to congratulate YGT on the launch of the Hydromover. This is a significant milestone for the Goal Zero Consortium which had responded to previous MPA -SMI Joint call-for-proposals for the electrification of harbourcraft. The knowledge and capabilities gained through the development of the electric lighter craft will certainly add to the industry’s understanding of electric harbourcraft designs and technology options for cargo transport vessels. MPA looks forward to work with more like-minded partners, including research agencies and financial institutions, to accelerate the decarbonisation of the harbour craft fleet in Singapore.”

SeaTech, Vice President Technology, Mr Prabjot Chopra, said: “Congratulations to YGT on the launch of the Hydromover. We are proud to lead the Goal Zero Consortium and design this pioneering electric lighter craft. This marks a pivotal moment in Singapore’s journey towards the electrification of harbor craft. We celebrate with YGT this significant achievement and foresee the Hydromover to be a catalyst in Singapore’s pursuit of a greener harbour. We wish the Hydromover fair winds and following seas on its voyages ahead!”

Mr Eric Lian, Head of Group Commercial Banking, UOB, said: “The launch of the Hydromover will drive the revolution of cargo transportation in the maritime industry. As the lead bank to finance YGT’s development of the prototype, we are pleased to support this achievement, and the efforts of MPA and SMI to promote sustainability through innovative green projects. We stay committed to work towards our national goal of decarbonising the maritime industry, to achieve net zero emissions by 2050.”

Photo credit: Yinson GreenTech
Published: 24 November, 2023

Up Next

Singapore: Golden Island switching to 100% e-BDN operations from 1 December

Don't Miss

Singapore: Final meeting scheduled for Meridian Maritime Pte Ltd

Alternative Fuels

Stena RoRo takes delivery of battery hybrid vessel from Chinese shipyard

“Guillaume de Normandie”, which will be powered by multi-fuel engines and market’s largest battery-hybrid package of 12 MWh, was delivered by CMI Jinling (Weihai) and is chartered to Brittany Ferries.

Published

6 days ago

January 8, 2025

Admin

Stena RoRo takes delivery of battery hybrid vessel from Chinese shipyard

Stena RoRo recently took delivery of the 12th E-Flexer in a series of 15 battery hybrid RoPax ferries from Chinese shipyard CMI Jinling (Weihai).

The ship is the Guillaume de Normandie and is long-term chartered to the French shipping company Brittany Ferries.

In April next year, the ship will enter service on the Portsmouth – Caen route, replacing the Normandie, which has sailed the route since 1992. This is the fifth of five ordered E-Flexer vessels for the Brittany Ferries fleet.

Just as with four of the five E-Flexer ships that Stena RoRo has delivered to Brittany Ferries, the vessel will be powered by multi-fuel engines as well as the market’s largest battery-hybrid package of 12 MWh.

With these batteries, the ship will be able to operate in and out of port solely on battery power and even maneuver when docking and undocking without using the ship’s diesel engines.

This offers a unique technical solution that provides significantly lower CO2 emissions for the ship.

The E-Flexer concept has been continuously developed in line with future environmental requirements, and through its technical design and high degree of innovation, it can fulfill and exceed both existing and future international requirements.

The Guillaume de Normandie is also equipped with a shore connection with an output of 8 MW for high-speed charging of the batteries, which also enables a completely fossil-free stay when in port. With the installed battery capacity, the vessel can operate at speeds of up to 17.5 knots on batteries alone.

The ship’s engines can be powered by marine diesel (MGO), liquefied natural gas (LNG), biodiesel or biogas.

In addition, the PTI/PTO system with the Battery Power function can be used for propulsion at sea or maneuvering in port. The system is scalable, which means that in the future, the Guillaume de Normandie can operate entirely on batteries or with a combination of the different fuels.

Photo credit: Stena RoRo
Published: 8 January, 2025

Alternative Fuels

MPA announces incentives for newbuild harbour crafts using alternative bunker fuels

Effective from 1 January, incentives for newbuild harbour craft under GPP will be subsumed under GCP, which encourages early adoption of zero-emission fuel and tech, as well as zero- and low- carbon fuels.

Published

2 weeks ago

January 2, 2025

Admin

The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) on Wednesday (31 December) issued Port Marine Circular No. 15 of 2024 regarding the introduction of Green Craft Programme (GCP) for newbuild harbour craft:

This circular supersedes Port Marine Circular No.10 of 2022 and will take effect from 1 January 2025 until 31 December 2027.

The MSGI has been enhanced to better align with the targets established by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) to achieve peak greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from international shipping as soon as possible, and to guide the industry towards reaching net-zero by or around 2050.

Under the revised MSGI, with effect from 1 January 2025, the incentives for new build harbour craft under the Green Port Programme (GPP) will be subsumed under the new GCP, which encourages the early adoption of zero-emission fuel and technologies, as well as zero- and low- carbon fuels for new build harbour craft.

All craft that are currently registered under the 5-year waiver of craft port dues for low or zero carbon-fuelled and fully electric MPA licensed harbour craft under the GPP will continue to enjoy the waiver of craft port dues until the end of 5-year validity period, or until 31 December 2027, whichever is earlier, provided that the craft (a) maintains the MPA licence, and (b) successfully demonstrates the use of zero-emission fuel/technology or zero/low carbon fuel throughout the year.

For those craft that have yet to reach the full 5-year validity period as at 31 December 2027, they will also need to provide MPA with documents including calculations and verified proof of mitigation technologies to continue to enjoy port dues waiver for the full 5-year validity period, to be in line with GCP. The craft registered under the GPP will not be eligible for the new GCP.

The new GCP will offer craft port dues concessions for new build harbour craft (with MPA Harbour Craft Licence issued between 1 January 2025 and 31 December 2027) meeting one of the following criteria:

MPA announces incentives for newbuild harbour crafts using alternative bunker fuels

Participants in the GCP are required to meet the following terms and conditions:

To participate in the GCP, shipowners/charterers should ensure that their new build harbour craft are registered under the GCP via the online registration process for new Harbour Craft Licence in digitalPORT@SGTM at https://digitalport.mpa.gov.sg/. The documents to be submitted during the registration process for verification is listed in Table 1.
The eligibility for the port dues concession under the GCP will be assessed during the registration of new build harbour craft. Only one concession scheme will be granted to an eligible new build harbour craft, determined by the declared engine type and the submission of relevant supporting documents to MPA. MPA will work with participants on verified data and calculations, as well as the proof of the mitigation technologies.
To enjoy the applicable craft port dues concession under the awarded concession scheme, the craft must (i) switch to zero-emission fuel/technology or zero/low carbon fuel for the main engine and auxiliary engine when operating in the Singapore Port Limits, and (ii) use zero-emission fuel/technology or zero/low carbon fuel throughout operations in the Singapore Port Limits.
Craft registered under the GCP will be subjected to annual documentation review by the MPA during the concession period. Supporting documents (listed in Table 1) must be made available to MPA upon request throughout the applicable concession period to demonstrate the use of zero-emission fuel/technology or zero/low carbon fuel. The approved concession will be granted at the end of each licence period.

The port dues concession offered under the GCP is valid in conjunction to any other concessions that the vessel may enjoy. All participants of the GCP are subject to the Terms and Conditions outlined in this Port Marine Circular (PMC). MPA reserves the right to amend the Terms and Conditions of the GCP, based on developments in IMO regulations and Singapore’s domestic climate targets (Nationally Determined Contributions).

For queries regarding the programme, please refer to the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) in Annex I. Should you have any further questions, please contact us at [email protected]. For queries related to harbour craft licensing, please contact Marine Licensing and Permits (MLP) at 1800 272 7777 or email at [email protected].

Note: The full circular by MPA can be found here.

Photo credit: Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore
Published: 2 January, 2025

Bunker Fuel

MSC 109th session pushes adoption of alternative marine fuels

Meeting was chaired by Mrs. Mayte Medina of the United States, supported by Vice-Chair, Capt. Theofilos Mozas of Greece.

Published

2 weeks ago

December 31, 2024

Admin

The Maritime Safety Committee met for its 109th session (MSC 109) at IMO Headquarters in London (in-person with hybrid participation) from 2 to 6 December 2024.

The Committee adopted amendments to the IGC and the IGF Codes. Consideration was given to new technologies and alternative marine fuels for the development of a safety regulatory framework to support the 2023 IMO GHG strategy.

In relation to the above, the Interim Guidelines for the safety of ships using ammonia as fuel was approved, based on consideration by CCC 10.

The below is an excerpt from the meeting notes focusing on developments related to marine fuel:

Amendments to mandatory IGC and IGF Codes adopted

The Committee adopted amendments to the following mandatory Codes under SOLAS:

International Code for the Construction and Equipment of Ships Carrying Liquefied Gases in Bulk (IGC Code)

The Committee adopted amendments to Chapter 16 of the IGC Code, related to the use as fuel of cargoes identified as toxic products, in the context of alternative fuels and new technologies. The amendments are expected to enter into force on 1 July 2026.

The Committee approved an MSC circular on the voluntary early application of the IGC Code, associated with these amendments.

International Code of Safety for Ship Using Gases or Other Low-flashpoint Fuels (IGF Code)

The Committee adopted amendments to parts A and A-1 of the IGF Code relate to ship design, fire safety, ventilation and other safety issues. The amendments are expected to enter into force on 1 January 2028.

Noting that there may be capacity-building implications in relation to these amendments to the IGC and IGF Codes, the Committee agreed to advise the Technical Cooperation Committee accordingly and encourage Member States in need of capacity-building assistance to contact IMO.

Development of a safety regulatory framework to support the reduction of GHG emissions from ships using new technologies and alternative fuels

The Committee received an update on the work of the Correspondence Group on Development of a Safety Regulatory Framework to Support the Reduction of GHG Emissions from Ships using New Technologies and Alternative Fuels (GHG safety).

The Correspondence Group, established at MSC 108, has been working on capturing detailed information (technical background, hazards, and risks to ship/shoreside) for the new technologies and alternative fuels. Safety obstacles and gaps in existing regulations are also being assessed.

The Committee endorsed the addition of a new category on "swappable traction lithium-ion battery containers" to the list of new technologies developed by the Correspondence Group. The Correspondence Group will continue work intersessionally and report to MSC 110.

Amendments to SOLAS Chapter II-1 on the application of IGF Code approved

While the International Code of Safety for Ships Using Gases or Other Low-flashpoint Fuels (IGF Code) applies to fuels that are gases or have a low-flash point, SOLAS Chapter II-1 states that the IGF Code applies to ships using low-flashpoint fuels, regardless of whether they were in liquid or gaseous form.

The Committee approved draft amendments to Chapter II-1 of the SOLAS Convention to clarify that the IGF Code applies to gaseous fuels or low flash-point fuels.

The approved SOLAS amendments will be submitted with a view to adoption at MSC 110 in June 2025, with expected entry into force in 2027.

Sub-Committee on the carriage of cargoes and containers (CCC 10)

Interim guidelines for the safety of ships using ammonia as fuel

approved MSC.1/Circular on Interim Guidelines for the safety of ships using ammonia as fuel.

Updated work plan for the development of new alternative fuels

endorsed the updated work plan for the development of new alternative fuels.

Draft amendments to the IGC Code and preparation of a new consolidated version of the Code

approved draft amendments to the IGC Code, in relation to filling limits for cargo tanks and safety provisions for gas carriers using LPG cargo as fuel, with a view to circulation in accordance with SOLAS article VIII and subsequent adoption at MSC 110.
with regard to preparation of a new consolidated version of the IGC Code, requested the Secretariat to submit an information document to MSC 110, highlighting all existing and pending amendments to the 2014 IGC Code, including a table of application dates of provisions for consideration, as appropriate.

Photo credit: International Maritime Organization
Published: 31 December 2024