Yinson GreenTech kicks off commercial trials for Singapore’s first fully electric cargo vessel

MarinEV, marine electrification business of Singapore-based green technology solutions provider Yinson GreenTech (YGT), has opened commercial trials for Singapore’s first fully electric cargo vessel, the Hydromover, to industry leaders looking to reduce the carbon footprint from their business activities.

YGT’s marinEV announced the start of commercial trials for the Hydromover on September 6, saying it will allow harbor craft operators to trial a fully electric lighter craft as part of their existing fleet, experiencing the operational benefits of the innovative technology first-hand.

The inaugural commercial trial commenced with OPL Services on August 26, 2024, when the Hydromover vessel was handed over by marinEV at the Lita Ocean shipyard. Over the next few months, the Hydromover will be available to harbor craft operators in Singapore to trial charter the vessel as part of their operational fleet of harbor crafts.

To remind, the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) is mandating all harbor craft to become fully electric, be capable of using B100 biofuels, or be compatible with net zero fuels such as hydrogen by 2030.

YGT revealed names of six potential partners who have provided letters of intent to charter the Hydromover for operational trials with a view to electrifying their fleets in the future. These include two Goal Zero partners, Lita Ocean and DM Sea Logistics, as well as OPL Services, Kanlian Ferry, RW Marine Services, and Tian San Shipping. The six parties’ combined fleet is over 200 vessels, marking significant potential for future conversion to electric vessels.

“We are excited to take this significant step towards commercial adoption of electric vessels in the maritime industry,” said Jan-Viggo Johansen, Managing Director of marinEV.

“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.”

Launched in November 2023, Hydromover is a lightweight, 18.5-meter vessel equipped with swappable batteries, allowing it to transport up to 25 tonnes of cargo. Being all-electric, the ship has zero emissions and targets to achieve up to 50% operational cost savings due to improved energy efficiency and lower maintenance costs.

Singapore’s shipping player Eastern Pacific Shipping (EPS) and YGT completed the first cargo and crew deliveries with the Hydromover on June 25, 2024.