Penguin International unveils ‘full-hybrid’ crewboat for oil and gas sector

The new vessel, Pelican Peace, was unveiled at the Singapore Pavilion hosted by the Association of Singapore Marine & Offshore Energy Industries (ASMI) at APM 2026, which is taking place 25-27 March.

Pelican Peace is a 42-m multirole crewboat of Flex-42MX Hybrid design. Penguin International said the key feature of the design is that unlike vessels with shaft-generator or ‘hybrid-assist’ systems, Pelican Peace “has a true parallel hybrid architecture that automatically switches between operating modes.”

The hybrid system on the vessel includes a 232 kWh battery energy storage system integrated into the main DC grid and a hybrid propulsion train enabling engines and motors to drive the shafts. 

This configuration enables ‘generator-off’ operations during low-load, standby and overnight modes, along with peak shaving and load levelling for optimal engine efficiency. It also results in reduced main engines and generator sets running hours, and reduced fuel burn, emissions and maintenance footprint.

Operationally, said the company, this delivers full-electric sailing at 6-8 knots for low-speed/standby operations; up to nine hours of generator-off hotel load support overnight; quiet, zero-emission port and standby capability; engines operating closer to optimal load bands; and measurable fuel savings.

Fully privately funded, Pelican Peace was developed in partnership with Reintjes Group, Danfoss Drives, Noris Automation, Chengrui Power Technology and Razor Blunt Labs, who played important roles in the development of the drivetrain, power electronics, battery management, controls and automation, system integration, and modelling.