Singapore Marine Technology Seeking Full-Electric Harbor Craft Designs

In April 2023, Shell Singapore launched its first electric ferry globally at its Singapore refinery and there will be another two more by September. With the three new ferries, it is reported that the company will save close to 14,000 barrels of diesel a year which will lead to a reduction of more than 6,000 tonnes of carbon emission annually.
 
Singapore’s Ministry of Transport requires all harbor craft operating in the Port of Singapore to be either fully electric, capable of using B100 biofuel, or compatible with net-zero fuels such as hydrogen from 2023 onwards. Operators should inform the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) on any new harbor craft plans from January 2027 to allow for time to adjust any new designs. According to MPA, there are some 1,600 harbor crafts performing a range of marine services within the Port of Singapore and the plan is to electrify the smaller crafts first which accounts for around a quarter.
 
As such, the MPA has launched an expression of interest (EOI) inviting proposals for the design and promotion of full-electric harbor craft to be used in Singapore waters. The EOI also invites proposals to demonstrate the commercial viability and scalability of different business models to meet the demand at the Port. It is also important to note that the suitability of electrification as a decarbonization pathway will depend on various factors such as operating costs, energy consumption and application. Interested parties can visit the MPA website for more details and to submit their proposals by 2359 hours Singapore time on 15 September 2023.

U.S. companies who have the expertise and experience in designing and commissioning full-electric harbor craft can partner with Singapore companies to undertake new projects.

For more information, please contact Commercial Trade Specialist Mr. CHAN Yiu Kei.