Shift plans new marine battery production facility in Johor to electrify ASEAN maritime industry

Canada-based marine energy storage system producer Shift Clean Solutions and JLand Group (JLG), a real estate unit of Johor Corporation, have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to evaluate the establishment of a marine battery fabrication and production facility in Johor.

Shift and JLG will look into setting up the marine battery facility at the futuristic Ibrahim Technopolis (IBTEC), a city north of Iskandar Malaysia strategically located close to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) waterways. This facility will leverage the ASEAN Free Trade Area agreement to promote regional economic growth and foster a more sustainable maritime industry.

Shift established its presence in Southeast Asia as the battery technology partner of the Goal Zero Consortium which was awarded funding by the Maritime Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) and Singapore Maritime Institute (SMI) to develop Singapore’s first fully electric cargo vessel, the Hydromover, in August 2021. The vessel prototype was launched in November 2023 and is currently undergoing sea trials.

“This MoU represents a pivotal moment for us,” said Gary Doyle, Shift’s CEO. “By strengthening our presence in Southeast Asia, we are strategically positioned to serve the rapidly growing demand for marine electrification solutions in the region. This collaboration with JLG will enhance the regional supply chain and empower us to better support companies across ASEAN in their transition towards a cleaner and more sustainable maritime future. We are keen to collaborate with like-minded partners to accelerate the development of advanced and efficient energy storage solutions regionally.”

Muaazam Mahmud, Managing Director of JLG, stated: “Our collaboration with Shift signifies a strategic alliance aimed at propelling innovation and creating a tangible impact in marine and port electrification. Through our ‘build and lease’ partnership model with Shift, alongside other approaches such as build-and-sale and outright land sales, we support our partners effectively.

In our venture with Shift, we are poised to establish a cutting-edge assembly plant, showcasing JLand’s firm commitment to advancing sustainable practices. This initiative underscores the broader mission of JLG to foster innovation and enhance capital efficiency within the real estate sector. Guided by our mission of ‘Build. Create. Thrive.’, JLG aims to emerge as the premier provider of real estate solutions, meeting the diverse needs of businesses and industries while staying responsive to evolving market demands.”

In late 2023, Shift also partnered with Indian defense shipyard Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE), SeaTech Solutions, and the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) to develop electric tugs, named E-VOLT 50.