Keel laid on first electric tug for Singapore

Also on 5 February, CSA celebrated the launch of its first fully electric supply boat as part of the MPA’s drive for energy-efficient methods of supporting shipping within the nation’s territorial waters.

This PXO-EXL-1 electric supply boat will be dual-classed by Bureau Veritas and RINA and will be ready for sea trials and operations near the end of this year. It was designed with operational insights from harbour craft owners to deliver up to 40 tonnes or 60 pallets, with range extension for remote deliveries to optimise deliveries and reduce marine traffic.

CSA said its efficient hull design and optimised marine logistics mean this “vessel can achieve 60% energy savings over a conventional lighter making multiple trips, providing significant cost and carbon emissions reduction for the industry.”

It will have an energy storage system, a battery management package and a back-up generator set prepared to use zero-carbon fuels when they are available.

CSA will bring together international shipping agencies to explore off-taking arrangements and trial the electric supply boat after its completion and commissioning.

“Today, we witnessed the fruits of industry and researchers’ partnerships and collaboration in driving maritime decarbonisation, and advancing energy-efficient solutions for maritime Singapore,” said MPA’s assistant chief executive for industry and transformation, Kenneth Lim. “MPA is committed to working with industry partners such as CSA to achieve Singapore’s sustainability and decarbonisation goals.”

CSA chair and PaxOcean Group chief executive and managing director, Tan Thai Yong, said the launch of the PXO-EXL-1 e-supply boat “is a testament to our commitment to decarbonising Singapore’s coastal logistics ecosystem.”

He said it demonstrates what CSA can achieve when industry players, researchers and regulators come together to innovate and collaborate.

“The launch of this vessel, together with the keel lay of the PXO-ACE-1 electric tug, bring us closer to achieving a green and operationally efficient maritime sector.”

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