MPA Singapore launches pilot trial for electric harbor craft charging point (Gallery)

April 11, 2024, by Ajsa Habibic

The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) has started the first pilot trial for an electric harbor craft (e-HC) charging point at the Marina South Pier.

The trial was launched on April 8, following a call for proposals issued on August 29, 2023, to develop and operate e-HC charging points at various locations under a two-year pilot scheme. At the close of the call on October 19, 2023, MPA received a total of 12 proposals from four consortia.

As informed previously, the charging point at the Marina South Pier was awarded to the consortium comprising Pyxis Energy, Pyxis Maritime, and SP Mobility.

Pyxis’ fleet of e-HCs operating at MSP will serve as the base offtake to ensure the optimization of the charging infrastructure and enable comprehensive data to be gathered. Insights from the data collected will contribute towards the development of a national e-HC charging infrastructure masterplan, implementation plan, and national standards for e-HC charging infrastructure, MPA explained.

Courtesy of MPA Singapore

Under this pilot, Pyxis and SP Mobility partnership has deployed a 150-kilowatt (kW) land-based direct current fast charger with a combined charging system 2 connector at Marina South Pier. This charger can charge an e-HC with an approximate battery capacity of 500 kWh in around three hours and enable an operating range of about 90 kilometers.

MPA noted it was working with Enterprise Singapore, industry stakeholders, and academia to develop a technical reference (TR) for e-HC charging and battery swap system. The draft TR will be ready for public consultation by mid-April 2024.

Tommy Phun, Founder of Pyxis, said: “We are delighted to announce the commencement of charging operations at Marina South Pier for the X Tron, the inaugural vessel from Pyxis’ flagship product line, the Pyxis One series of electric vessels. Tailored specifically for the dynamic Singapore port market, the Pyxis One seamlessly shuttles passengers between mainland Singapore and ships stationed at the anchorage.

“With a purpose-built aluminium catamaran hull, an efficient electric propulsion chain, and an IoT-enabled digital ecosystem platform, the Pyxis One pushes the boundaries of innovation and brings significant productivity gains compared to traditional diesel vessels. In addition to our electric harbour craft meeting Singapore’s 2030 and 2050 targets early, there is also expected total ownership cost savings compared to our traditional vessels.”

In addition to the Pyxis and SP Mobility partnership, MPA has also awarded an innovative mobile charging concept proposed by Seatrium O&G (International), and a high power (350-450 kW) DC charger proposed by Yinson Electric. MPA said it will continue working with the two companies to further develop their proposals for applications in Singapore.

As of 2030, all new harbor craft operating in the Port of Singapore will have to be fully electric, be capable of using B100 biofuel, or be compatible with net zero fuels such as hydrogen. For biofuels, blends of up to B50 are already commercially available and MPA is working with the industry to develop the standards for up to B100.

The authority recently shortlisted 11 passenger launch and cargo lighter vessel designs following an expression of interest launched for e-HC designs. These designs will be further enhanced and progressively marketed to aggregate demand from the industry to help lower production costs for companies.