Bureau Veritas has classed the EON, Southeast Asia’s first fully electric harbor tug, built by PaxOcean for Kuok Maritime Group. Featuring a 3 MWh LTO battery and ABB propulsion, the vessel marks a massive leap for Singapore’s coastal decarbonization and the Coastal Sustainability Alliance. The delivery underscores the region’s shift toward zero-emission “Blue Economy” infrastructure.
Singapore | March 18, 2026 – In a transformative moment for Asia-Pacific’s “Blue Economy,” Bureau Veritas Marine & Offshore (BV) has celebrated the delivery of the EON, the first fully electric harbor tug to operate in Singapore and Southeast Asia.
Built by PaxOcean and owned by the Kuok Maritime Group (KMG) under the Coastal Sustainability Alliance (CAA), the EON is not merely a vessel; it is a proof-of-concept for the future of zero-emission coastal logistics in one of the world’s busiest maritime hubs.
Engineering a Zero-Emission Powerhouse
The EON (PXO e-tug) measures 29 meters in length and delivers a formidable 50-ton bollard pull, proving that electrification does not come at the cost of operational grit.
The vessel’s “beating heart” is a sophisticated integrated electric propulsion system provided by ABB, featuring:
- 3 MWh Lithium Titanate Oxide (LTO) Battery Pack: High-density storage optimized for the rapid charging and discharging cycles required in harbor operations.
- DC Grid System: ABB’s energy management architecture reduces energy conversion losses between power sources and onboard loads.
- Optimized Drivetrain: Engineering that maximizes efficiency to extend the vessel’s operational range per charge.
This delivery follows the successful 2024 launch of the Voltai (PXO-ACE-1), the region’s first fully electric supply vessel, further cementing PaxOcean’s position as a leader in green shipbuilding.
Classing the Future: BV’s “BATTERY SYSTEM” Notation
Bureau Veritas has been a key strategic partner to the CSA and KMG, providing the technical framework to class these pioneering zero-emission vessels. The EON has been officially assigned the BV BATTERY SYSTEM Notation, a rigorous standard reflecting its fully electric propulsion architecture and safety protocols.
This project is a cornerstone of Singapore’s broader goal to decarbonize its coastal fleet. BV’s involvement extends beyond this single vessel, with the class society having supported similar electrification milestones for industry players like Penguin International, Yinson, and Pyxis.
Drago Pinteric, Vice President, M&O South East Asia, Bureau Veritas said “Bureau Veritas congratulates Kuok Maritime Group, PaxOcean and the Coastal Sustainability Alliance on this important achievement. We remain committed to supporting the maritime industry in deploying clean technologies that will shape a more sustainable and resilient maritime future for Singapore and Southeast Asia.”
Strengthening the Sustainable Supply Chain
The EON represents more than just a technological shift; it is a move toward a more resilient maritime supply chain. By eliminating tailpipe emissions in the harbor, the vessel contributes directly to the air quality of coastal communities and aligns with the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) tightening GHG regulations.
As Singapore continues to build out its charging infrastructure for electric harbor craft, the EON stands as the flagship of a new era,one where the hum of high-capacity batteries replaces the roar of diesel engines.
About Bureau Veritas
Bureau Veritas (BV), founded in 1828, is a world leader in inspection, certification, and laboratory testing services with a powerful purpose: to shape a world of trust by ensuring responsible progress. With a vision to be the preferred partner for customers’ excellence and sustainability, the company innovates to help them navigate change. With over 84,000 employees in 140 countries, BV brings unparalleled expertise in sustainability, safety, and technological advancement.
Source: Bureau Veritas