Singapore’s second-generation zero-emissions vessels take shape at Marinteknik Shipbuilders

Construction of Hydromover 2.0, the next generation of Singapore’s fully electric, zero-emissions light cargo transfer vessel, has begun at Marinteknik Shipbuilders (S) Pte Ltd.

“Building upon the success of its predecessor, Hydromover 1.0, this vessel offers several notable improvements,” says shipyard general manager Alex Wong, observing this second-generation vessel will have a larger cargo deck area of 65 m², and increased payload of 25 tonnes.

“We are currently building two out of five electric catamaran cargo transfer vessels, Hydromover 2.0. Additionally, we are in the designing and developing stage of building vessels that will be using alternative energy sources such as hydrogen fuel cells,” says Mr Wong.

Along with the two 24-m electric light cargo transfer vessels, the shipyard is constructing a 43-m aluminium fast ferry with a capacity of 350 passengers.

Marinteknik Shipbuilders is well experienced in aluminium construction, with some four decades building fast ferries. Mr Wong says the yard specialises in constructing passenger ferries up to 65 m, ropax vessels, fast crewboats, and crew transfer vessels. “Beyond newbuilds, we also offer repair, maintenance, modification and alterations for a wide range of vessel types,” he says.

In Singapore, Marinteknik Shipbuilders employs 60 workers, and Mr Wong anticipates growing the workforce to around 100 over the next year.  Marinteknik Shipbuilders has another shipyard in Batam, Indonesia with a much larger workforce.

Mr Wong says recent deliveries from the shipyard include a 43-m catamaran passenger ferry, a 40-m monohull passenger ferry, and three 25-m OPL supply vessels. “Additionally, we carried out significant modifications to the wheelhouse and systems of Rawabi 136, a newly constructed vessel built by a different shipyard,” says Mr Wong. Once the modifications and sea trials completed, the 48-m standby service vessel was named in June 2024, and delivered to Rawabi Vallianz Offshore Services.

While being a first mover presents opportunities, it also brings its challenges. Mr Wong says the shipyard is seeing “increasing costs of materials and manpower, as well as the industry’s slow acceptance of electrification in harbour craft, given its early stage of development and the high cost of ownership.”

To reduce production costs and increase efficiency, Marinteknik is looking at some strategic investments. “We are actively exploring automation such as robotic welding to boost productivity, collaborating with our international partners to bring these technologies into our shipyard. This will help reduce time and costs, enabling us to enhance overall productivity and throughput without the need for constant increases in our workforce,” he says.

The project is a linchpin in Singapore’s transformation of its coastal waters and port logistics supply chain from one dominated by 1,600 diesel-powered harbour craft to one served by a fleet of efficient, zero-emissions light cargo and passenger vessels. From 2030, all new harbour craft operating in the Port of Singapore will have to be fully electric, be able to operate on 100% biodiesel (B100) or compatible with net-zero fuels such as hydrogen. MPA wants to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from harbour craft by 15% by 2030, and 50% by 2050.

Critical to accelerating the uptake of all-electric harbour craft is building on initial lessons from homegrown, first-generation prototypes like Hydromover 1.0. Naval architectural firm Incat Crowther was tasked with designing Hydromover 2.0 by marinEV, a unit of Yinson Greentech (YGT). This zero-emissions light cargo transfer vessel will carry stores, food and maintenance items to vessels anchored in the Singapore Strait that are waiting to call at the Port of Singapore.