Transport Minister launches Singapore’s first fully-electric ferry “Penguin Refresh”

Transport Minister S. Iswaran launched Singapore’s first fully-electric ferry, Penguin Refresh, designed, built, and operated by Penguin International Limited, according to the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) on Tuesday (18 April). 

The Singapore-registered vessel will be used by Shell from May 2023 to transport personnel between Singapore mainland and Pulau Bukom.

S. Iswaran said the launch signified an important milestone in our efforts to reach net zero emissions by 2050.

“With this service, those working in Pulau Bukom’s Shell Energy and Chemicals Park Singapore can look forward to quieter and more comfortable commutes to work,” he said in a social media post. 

Mr Teo Eng Dih, Chief Executive of MPA, said this is Shell’s first electric ferry globally.

“We are heartened this is well-ahead of the 2030 timeline for all new harbour craft to be fully-electric, be capable of using 100% biofuels or be compatible with hydrogen,” he said in a social media post. 

Mr Teo added compared to conventional ferries, the engineering teams achieved a 30% weight reduction and incorporated energy efficient technologies to have monthly cost savings compared to using marine diesel.

Powered by LiNMC batteries with capacity of 1.2 MW, 3 such ferries will ply the <6km route at 21 knots for 2.5 round trips in a full charge cycle for up to 200 passengers each way. To meet turnaround timings and optimise battery performance, the automated DC fast charger at 1.1kV each can fully charge the vessel in 30 mins; the 350V AC chargers takes just < 4.5 hours of overnight or off-peak charging.

He stated MPA will continue to identify more sites to e-charge vessels, as part of a charging infrastructure master plan which will progressively support the electrification of the domestic maritime sector from 2025. This goes in tandem with developing national charging standards led by MPA to harmonise charging ports, hardware & software systems and to enhance interoperability.

“Besides opportunities in electrification such as floating charging platform, shore-to-ship and off-grid electric charging and ESS solutions, thanks to Kah Peng Aw, Nick Potter, Thomas Wong and Shell partners, MPA and Shell have enhanced our MoU to share experiences on maritime fuels such as hydrogen & hydrogen-carriers, including mitigation measures and the training of seafarers, shipboard crews and engineers to operate these new fuels safely. For existing harbour craft, we will continue biofuel trials with blends up to B100,” Mr Teo said. 

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Published: 20 April, 2023