Yinson GreenTech and Zeabuz set sights on autonomous, remote-controlled electric vessel operations

Singapore’s green technology solutions provider Yinson GreenTech has joined forces with Norwegian autonomous maritime technology company Zeabuz to introduce autonomous and remote-control capabilities into its fleet of marine electric vessels.

The two companies formalized their collaboration through a letter of intent (LoI) signed on November 6, 2024.

This collaboration aims to integrate Zeabuz’s hardware and proprietary software algorithms into Yinson GreenTech’s marinEV fleet of electric vessels and address the maritime industry’s long-term manpower challenges.

According to Yinson GreenTech, it will reduce the number of crew members required onboard, making maritime operations more efficient. Additionally, it is expected to enhance the attractiveness of maritime jobs by introducing new, knowledge-based skillsets like artificial intelligence, machine learning, and remote operations.

The initiative aligns with the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore’s (MPA) Industry Transformation Map1, particularly its focus on digitalization, Yinson GreenTech explained.

“By combining the power of electrification, onboard autonomy, and remote supervisory control, we are laying a strong foundation for the future of sustainable maritime operations,” said Øyvind Smogeli, CEO and Co-Founder of Zeabuz. “We are excited to deepen our collaboration with Yinson GreenTech to build a future of sustainable, technology-driven marine transport.”

“To fulfil Yinson GreenTech’s broader vision of building a net-zero world, marinEV believes in harnessing the power of sustainable innovation through strategic partnerships,” added Jan-Viggo Johansen, Managing Director of marinEV. “Our collaboration with Zeabuz marks a significant step towards accelerating the adoption of autonomous solutions, which will not only enhance the safety and efficiency of maritime operations but also significantly reduce our environmental impact on waterways.”

Yinson GreenTech also signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Norwegian company Evoy to drive marine electrification in the wider Asian maritime sector.

Under the MoU, Yinson GreenTech will combine its electrification solutions with Evoy’s electric propulsion systems to support the conversion of internal combustion engine (ICE) vessels to electric power and foster the development of new electric vessels.

It is also worth noting that the Singaporean company recently received the Green Ship Award for its all-electric cargo ship Hydromover.

As Singapore’s first fully electric light cargo vessel, the ship aligns with MPA’s mandate for all new harbor craft operating in the Port of Singapore to be powered by electric, biofuel, or net-zero fuels by 2030.