18-m Hydromover was developed for Yinson GreenTech’s (YGT) marinEV brand, features swappable batteries and is capable of carrying up to 25 tonnes of cargo
Developed together with Goal Zero Consortium led by SeaTech Solutions, the Hydromover project was Goal Zero’s submission and one of the proposals under the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) and Singapore Maritime Institute (SMI) joint call-for-proposals for the electrification of harbour craft.
The project received R&D grants from both the MPA Maritime Innovation and Technology Fund and SMI Fund in August 2021.
Hydromover is the first project to be ready for commercial trials.
As lead, Seatech spearheaded the vessel design; YGT handled Hydromover’s programme management and commercialisation; Shift Clean Energy served as the battery technology partner; RINA Hong Kong Ltd Singapore Branch was the classification society and awarded the ship a certificate of classification for compliance with RINA rules for battery-powered vessels; Singapore yard Lita Ocean built Hydromover while United Overseas Bank was the lead financier for the development of the prototype.
Five potential partners have provided Yinson with letters of intent to charter Hydromover for operational trials, with the view to electrify their fleets in future: Two Goal Zero partners Lita Ocean and DM Sea Logistics, OPL Services, RW Marine Services and Tian San Shipping. The five parties’ combined fleet stands at over 150 vessels, marking significant potential for future conversion to electric vessels.
The vessel has also passed an extensive risk assessment relating to battery operation and swapping, ensuring compliance with the most stringent international safety standards in the maritime industry.
With swappable batteries, the ship is expected to produce zero emissions, with Yinson claiming it can even reduce operational costs by up to 50% compared with a conventional vessel.
Hydromover will serve as a ‘living lab’ for YGT and Goal Zero’s R&D partners including the Singapore Institute of Technology and the Technology Centre for Offshore and Marine, Singapore, which are working on a digital twin of the vessel. This will facilitate research on the combined effects of variables such as vessel hydrodynamics, propulsion, motor dynamics and battery performance, affording ship designers and operators the chance to enhance operational efficiency.
YGT chief executive Eirik Barclay said, “Being the first to launch a fully electric lighter craft in Singapore marks a transformative moment for YGT. Hydromover exemplifies what can be achieved through strategic partnerships and alliances with like-minded partners. We are excited to have already received expressions of interest from across the region including Indonesia, where YGT has begun talks with interested parties to deploy the vessel for backwater goods transport and to electrify local fishing vessels.
“We are confident of reaping significant advantages from being an early mover in the race to reach net-zero emissions by 2050 and we are pleased to already be in talks with supportive financing partners such as UOB and potential equity partners.”
MPA assistant chief executive industry and transformation, Kenneth Lim, said, “The knowledge and capabilities gained through the development of the electric lighter craft will certainly add to the industry’s understanding of electric harbourcraft designs and technology options for cargo transport vessels. MPA looks forward to working with more like-minded partners, including research agencies and financial institutions, to accelerate the decarbonisation of the harbour craft fleet in Singapore.”
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