SMW 2024: Optimism in meeting harbour craft green targets

The article ‘Optimism in meeting harbour craft green targets’ was first published on Issue 4 of the Singapore Maritime Week 2024 Show Dallies; it has been reproduced in its entirety on Singapore bunkering publication Manifold Times with permission from The Nutgraf and the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore:

Chen Jei Min
[email protected] 

Industry players are optimistic about meeting green targets set by the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) for harbour craft in domestic waters, said panellists at a discussion on harbour craft in Singapore.

From 2030, these vessels have to be either fully electric, capable of using pure biodiesel (B100), or be compatible with net-zero fuels such as hydrogen.

So far, the sector has been active in developing electrification technologies such as battery-electric propulsion systems, fuel cell technology, and alternative fuels such as ammonia, said moderator Mr Ng Bing Rong, Director (Decarbonisation, Planning & Infrastructure) at MPA, during a panel on Technological Pathways for Harbour Craft on Wednesday.

For instance, Kuok Maritime Group would be able to cut carbon dioxide emissions “by at least 30 per cent to meet MPA’s 2030 requirements by (having our vessels) go fully electric”, said Mr Tan Thai Yong, its Managing Director of Strategic Projects and Technology.

Still, roadblocks remain, say experts on the second day of the Accelerating Digitalisation and Decarbonisation Conference. These include resistance to new technology, costs, and non-compatible vessels.

Adopting alternative fuels such as ammonia and hydrogen, for example, can be costly, said Mr Nikhil Garg, Managing Director of the APAC region at cleantech firm TECO 2030. “The cost of green technology can be very significant,” he added.

Mr Svein Erik Oeiestad, Head of Business Development and Sales at ammonia power start-up Amogy Singapore, agreed, noting that developing alternative fuels comes with its own set of issues.

Getting maritime companies to take up new technology is another challenge, said Mr Koh Shu Yong, Director of Global Sustainability at the American Bureau of Shipping.

The reluctance may arise from the lack of vessels that are compatible with these tech pathways, said Mr Alex Mier, Director for Marine O&G Segment APAC at global manufacturing company Cummins.

“(Tackling these challenges) requires us to look into collaboration and partnerships with all the stakeholders within the value chain,” urged Mr Koh.

Singapore Maritime Week 2024 was organised by Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore from 15 to 19 April. 

Photo credit: Kuok Maritime Group
Article credit: The Nutgraf/ Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore
Published: 25 April 2024