Yinson GreenTech’s marinEV has officially commenced commercial trials for the Hydromover, marking a significant milestone in Singapore’s efforts to decarbonize its maritime industry. Developed by the Goal Zero Consortium, the Hydromover project is funded by the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) and the Singapore Maritime Institute (SMI). This 18.5-meter vessel represents Singapore’s first fully electric light cargo vessel, designed specifically to provide zero-emission transport solutions within the bustling harbour.
The lightweight vessel features swappable battery solutions and is capable of carrying up to 25 tonnes of cargo. By leveraging electric propulsion, the Hydromover is expected to reduce both operational and maintenance costs in comparison to traditional fossil-fueled vessels, offering the maritime industry a compelling economic and environmental alternative.
Decarbonizing Singapore’s Maritime Sector
The Hydromover trials align with Singapore’s ambitious goal to achieve net-zero emissions for its domestic harbour craft sector by 2050. The commercial trials are open to industry stakeholders eager to reduce their carbon footprint. By allowing various companies to trial the vessel, Yinson GreenTech (YGT) and its partners are providing firsthand opportunities for operators to experience the operational advantages of fully electric vessels.
This initiative is particularly significant for harbour craft operators, offering them the chance to trial the technology within their existing fleets, helping the industry transition towards greener operations. With the Hydromover, businesses can not only contribute to the reduction of emissions but also lower long-term costs thanks to the energy efficiency and reduced maintenance associated with electric vessels.
The First Commercial Trial
On August 26, 2024, the inaugural commercial trial commenced, with OPL Services receiving the Hydromover vessel from marinEV at the Lita Ocean shipyard. In the coming months, other harbour craft operators in Singapore will be able to charter the vessel and experience its benefits as part of their operational fleets. This trial period is seen as an opportunity for operators to evaluate the feasibility and performance of electric cargo vessels in real-world operations.
Industry Partnerships and Potential
YGT announced that six industry partners have provided letters of intent to charter the Hydromover for operational trials, signaling their interest in future fleet electrification. These partners include Lita Ocean and DM Sea Logistics, both part of the Goal Zero Consortium, as well as OPL Services, Kanlian Ferry, RW Marine Services, and Tian San Shipping. Together, these companies operate a combined fleet of over 200 vessels, creating a significant potential market for electric vessel conversion.
Jan-Viggo Johansen, Managing Director of marinEV, emphasized the importance of this milestone: “We are excited to take this significant step towards commercial adoption of electric vessels in the maritime industry. This is a testament to our commitment to innovation and a crucial step in our mission to drive sustainable practices in maritime transport. We invite all industry leaders to partake in these historic commercial trials, taking the opportunity to have their next cargo delivered by a fully electric, zero-emission vessel. By demonstrating the real-world benefits of electric vessels, we hope to accelerate the industry’s transition to net zero.”
Stanley Ong, Director of Netline Group, the parent company of OPL Services, echoed this sentiment, stating, “As prospective owners, we would like to further understand the capabilities and limitations of an electric vessel and what tangible benefits an EV would bring to the industry and us as business owners. Our future plans are to align with MPA’s green targets by 2030. Therefore, understanding Hydromover and its future iterations is of utmost importance to us as we embark on this journey.”
About Yinson GreenTech
Yinson GreenTech (YGT) is the green technologies division of Yinson Holdings Berhad, a global energy infrastructure and technology company based in Malaysia. Yinson operates across various sectors, including offshore production, renewables, green technologies, and offshore marine, with a presence in 18 countries.
Established in 2020, YGT focuses on providing clean, integrated technology solutions across the marine, mobility, and infrastructure sectors. Through strategic investments in R&D and partnerships, YGT aims to develop a comprehensive ecosystem of smart green assets and infrastructure that help businesses and communities achieve their net-zero goals.
YGT’s portfolio of strategic investments includes innovations such as advanced hydrofoil systems for electric vessels, e-bikes with swappable batteries, autonomous technology for electric vehicles and vessels, marine energy storage solutions, and electric vehicle charging infrastructure.
With its emphasis on innovation and sustainability, YGT is well-positioned to drive the transition to a greener maritime industry, spearheading efforts to decarbonize transport and help Singapore achieve its ambitious environmental goals.
Source Yinson GreenTech