The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) has released an Expression of Interest (EOI) inviting companies to submit proposals to develop and promote the adoption of full-electric harbour craft (e-HC) in Singapore.
The invitation, which was published on 10 July, is designed to allow MPA to evaluate and approve suggestions for acceptable e-HC in accordance with its decarbonisation targets.
The design would incorporate an efficient vessel construction, integrated battery management and energy storage technologies, and vital safety systems such as emergency backup, cybersecurity, and firefighting capabilities.
According to the MPA, these reference designs will supplement the e-HC engineering knowledge and local capabilities developed by joint industry-research groups supported by the MPA and the Singapore Maritime Institute.
Furthermore, in order to enable the development of green financing models for the development of the e-HC, the EOI will accept ideas to show the financial viability of alternative business models based on a combined harbour craft fleet to satisfy demand at the Port of Singapore.
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An aggregated fleet, in particular, intends to enhance utilisation rates by encouraging more enterprises, particularly those with lower fleet sizes, to electrify their harbour boats, while also offering efficient and timely services to ships coming into Singapore.
To begin, the EOI will concentrate on the design and assistance for the transition to electrification of smaller harbour vessels.
These typically have a gross tonnage of 20-40 tonnes, an overall length of 10-20 metres, and a combined shaft power of 200-400 kilowatts. In the Port of Singapore, approximately 400 of these harbour vessels are currently deployed.
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Teo Eng Dih, Chief Executive of MPA, said: “The harbour craft sector is an integral part of our port ecosystem. The Expression of Interest is a significant first step to encourage and support early adopters of e-harbour craft.
“This will also support the development of green financing options and enhance the skills of our maritime workforce.”
During this year’s Committee of Supply discussion, the Ministry of Transport declared that the harbour craft, pleasure vessel and tug boat sectors aim to achieve net zero emissions by 2050, in line with Singapore’s national net zero objectives.