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

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Yinson GreenTech and partners to accelerate marine electrification in Singapore

Yinson GreenTech plans to provide electric vessels to R W Marine Services, who will lease and manage the fleet; while Wilhelmsen Port Services shall coordinate the deployment of these electric vessels.

Published

3 weeks ago

April 1, 2025

Admin

Yinson GreenTech and partners to accelerate marine electrification in Singapore

Green solutions provider Yinson GreenTech, Wilhelmsen Port Services (S) Pte Ltd (WPS), and R W Marine Services Pte Ltd (RW) recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), to accelerate the adoption of marine electrification and sustainable maritime transport in Singapore.

The signing took place during Singapore Maritime Week (SMW 2025), being held from 24 to 28 March 2025.

Under the MoU, Yinson GreenTech plans to provide electric vessels to RW, who will lease and manage the fleet; while WPS shall coordinate the deployment of these electric vessels from RW for launch services.

Both RW and WPS will also adopt and grow the use of the Marine Digital Platform, developed by Yinson GreenTech, for port services in Singapore. This collaboration supports the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore’s (MPA) goals of emission reduction and enhanced operational efficiency, realising the adoption of electric service vessels in the Port of Singapore.

Jan-Viggo Johansen, Managing Director of marinEV, Yinson GreenTech, said:: “We are excited to be partnering WPS and RW in driving the maritime sector towards a sustainable future. By combining our advanced electric vessels and digital solutions with WPS's port services and RW's sea transport expertise, we are enabling more businesses to optimise their fleets by adopting greener alternatives.”

Jamie Wrightson, Vice President Asia Pacific & India of WPS, said: “As global leaders in port agency, we are proud to partner with Yinson GreenTech and RW to bring the marinEV zero emission launch to attend to our customers’ vessels.

“Innovation to bring down emissions and increase efficiencies in the port supply chain requires collaboration and Wilhelmsen Port Services is excited to help bring this to the market.”

Alvin Tan, Managing Director of RW, said: “Partnering with Yinson GreenTech and Wilhelmsen Port Services represents a pivotal moment for R W Marine as we transition into the era of sustainable sea transport.”

“As a long-standing operator in Singapore’s port waters, we’re proud to be taking a proactive role in adopting electric vessels and enhancing our fleet management capabilities. This collaboration underscores our commitment to delivering reliable, forward-looking marine services that support Singapore’s decarbonisation goals.”

Photo credit: Wilhelmsen Port Services
Published: 1 April, 2025

Alternative Fuels

SMW 2025: Coastal Sustainability Alliance inks LOIs for Singapore’s largest electric supply boat

First LOI focuses on prioritising using PXO E-Supply Boat “Voltai” by ship agencies during an upcoming ‘milk trial’ while second focuses on developing a multi-modal, multi-site marine charging infrastructure.

Published

4 weeks ago

March 26, 2025

Admin

SMW 2025: Coastal Sustainability Alliance inks LOIs for Singapore’s largest electric supply boat

The Coastal Sustainability Alliance (CSA), an industry collaborative effort led by Kuok Maritime Group (KMG), on Wednesday (26 March) signed two Letters of Intent (LOIs) on Day 2 of the Accelerating Digitalisation and Decarbonisation Conference at Singapore Maritime Week (SMW 2025).

The first focused on prioritising using Singapore’s largest electric supply boat, PXO E-Supply Boat Voltai, by key ship agencies during an upcoming trial and the second focused on developing a multi-modal, multi-site marine charging infrastructure.

These partnerships marked a significant milestone in advancing the adoption of e-vessels and supporting infrastructure.

“Milk Run” Trial with Shipping Companies for E-Supply Boat Adoption

KMG has signed an LOI with seven major ship agencies and one chandler: GAC Singapore, Horizon Shipping Agencies, Inchcape Shipping Services, Johnasia Shipping, RMS Marine & Offshore Service, Sinoda Shipping Agency, and Wilhelmsen Port Services — to utilise the services of the PXO E-Supply Boat Voltai for deliveries to seagoing vessels in a one-year trial.

The trial will prioritise lightboat operators making multiple deliveries, known as a “milk run”, to improve operational efficiency, lower carbon footprint, reduce marine traffic congestion and lower costs associated with operating electric vessels.

The trial addresses the growing pressure on merchant shipowners to reduce Scope 3 emissions, offering a commercially viable pathway for greener supply chain solutions. Each E-Supply Boat trip is expected to cut 0.5 metric tons of Scope 3 greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions per arrival of a merchant ship at the Port of Singapore.

As the marine logistics industry pivots towards net-zero goals, the electrification pathway can result in an estimated reduction of 9,000 metric tonnes (mt) of GHG emissions per month across 600 daily trips made by conventional supply boats. The findings from the trial will influence the development of future PXO E-Supply Boats, ensuring that they align with industry needs while advancing Singapore’s decarbonisation goals.

Multi-Site, Multi-Modal Marine Charging Infrastructure

KMG has signed another LOI with Singapore and international companies: BeeCharge Innovation Group, Jurong Port, Pyxis, RExus Bioenergy, SP Mobility, and Wilhelmsen Ships Service – to provide charging infrastructure and facilities to support the appointed operator of the PXO E-Supply Boat Voltai during the “milk run” trial.

This partnership will feature a multi- modal and multi-location approach featuring various charging infrastructure, including shore-based charging at key waterfront sites, and mobile charging powered by solar energy for on-demand needs. As the charging infrastructure will operate on a common technical standard, it will be critical in accelerating MaritimeSG’s green transition by enabling efficient charging turnaround for e-vessels and minimising operational downtime.

Mr Tan Thai Yong, Managing Director and CEO, PaxOcean Group and Chairperson, CSA, said: “The commitment by leading ship agencies and a chandler to prioritise the hiring of the PXO E-Supply Boat Voltai marks a fundamental shift in maritime logistics.”

“Traditionally, supply boat operations have been conducted point-to-point, leading to inefficiencies and increasing emissions. Implementing the 'milk run' model consolidates multiple deliveries into optimised routes, benefiting all stakeholders by reducing unnecessary trips, lowering operational costs, and significantly cutting emissions.”

On the charging partnership LOI, he added, “By bringing together various site owners and charging partners, we envision concurrent efforts contributing to Singapore’s electric charging infrastructure along the coastline, eventually extending beyond our PXO vessels’ operating bases.

Over time, we hope to see more public charging infrastructure deployed strategically and decisively along Singapore’s shoreline to support operations in the Western and Eastern anchorages.”

Note: SMW 2025 will feature a public showcase of the PXO E-Supply Boat “Voltai” on 29 March. Complimentary tickets are available here.

Photo credit: Coastal Sustainability Alliance
Published: 26 March, 2025

Decarbonisation

SMW 2025: Australia and Singapore to fund research projects on maritime emissions reduction

Eight projects selected cover a range of activities, including innovations in the supply, transport, storage, dispensing and maritime utilisation of hydrogen, ammonia and methanol, as well as electrification.

Published

4 weeks ago

March 26, 2025

Admin

Australia and Singapore have selected eight projects for funding as part of a $20 million initiative to help reduce emissions in the maritime sector, according to a joint statement on Wednesday (26 March).

The Australia-Singapore Initiative on Low Emissions Technologies (ASLET) supports the objectives of the Singapore and Australia Green and Digital Shipping Corridor (GDSC), which will help accelerate decarbonisation and digitisation of shipping routes between Singapore and Australia.

It is jointly delivered by the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), Australia’s national science agency, and the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) on behalf of the governments of Australia and Singapore.

The ASLET grant opportunity was launched in July 2024 to support projects that will help accelerate the deployment and uptake of zero or near-zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emission technologies for maritime and port operations.

A total of 32 applications were received from universities, research institutes and industry based in Australia and Singapore. The eight projects selected for funding cover a range of activities, including innovations in the supply, transport, storage, dispensing and maritime utilisation of hydrogen, ammonia and methanol, as well as safety and environmental monitoring, and electrification.

The selected projects have also attracted co-contributions and are expected to be completed within the next two years.

Note: For more detail on the selected projects, see the CSIRO and MPA websites.