A recent move towards the decarbonisation of Singapore’s maritime sector has been applauded by environmental organisation Pacific Environment.
Senior Minister of State for Transport Mr Chee Hong Tat, at the Ministry of Transport Committee of Supply Debate 2023, pointed out an increased emphasis on environmental sustainability during a parliament speech on Friday (3 March).
“The International Maritime Organization (IMO) could announce a higher level of ambition to reduce greenhouse gas emissions later this year. Corporates and individuals are becoming more conscious of their carbon footprint,” said Mr Chee.
He pointed out compulsory measures introduced by the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) for new domestic harbour craft to be fully electric, be capable of using B100 biofuels, or be compatible with net zero fuels such as hydrogen from 2030.
“MPA has made good progress in supporting the electrification of harbour craft. Pilots for the first full-electric ferry by the consortium led by Keppel Offshore & Marine and full-electric lighter craft by the consortium led by SeaTech Solutions will commence later this year,” stated Mr Chee.
“MPA is also working with terminal and harbour craft operators to pilot the implementation of charging stations.
“The first charging station will be deployed by Shell at the Shell Energy and Chemicals Park Singapore on Pulau Bukom by the first half of 2023 to support full-electric ferries owned and operated by Penguin International.
“This will form part of a larger charging infrastructure implementation masterplan, which MPA will roll out by 2025.”
Allyson Browne, Climate Campaign Manager for Ports, Pacific Environment was pleased with the development.
“We applaud Singapore’s commitment to move towards 100% zero-emission port and ships through its 2050 net zero emissions targets. This transition requires a jumpstart this decade, and harbour craft are a great place to start,” said Browne.
“Fossil-fuelled harbour crafts — including ferries, tugboats, crew and supply boats, fishing vessels, excursion vessels and others – produce air quality pollutants and GHG emissions that warm our planet.
“We must transition these vessels to electric and zero-emission fuelled-engines as quickly as possible. It is imperative that leading port cities like Singapore accelerate their commitment and action towards zero-emission shipping in order to protect the health of port communities, address the climate crisis and dramatically reduce pollution at the ports.”
Related: MPA factsheet outlines local schemes on reducing carbon emissions
Related: Singapore harbourcraft will need to reach net-zero emissions by 2050
Photo credit: Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore
Published: 7 March, 2023
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17 Mar 2023
