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