PaxOcean Group (PXO) is to build its first fully electric tug and supply boat, in the latest milestone in Singapore’s effort to accelerate coastal decarbonisation.
The order has the backing of the Coastal Sustainability Alliance (CSA), an industry collaborative effort led by Singapore’s Kuok Maritime Group.
“These zero-emissions vessels are among the first and largest local electric harbour craft designed for operation in Singapore’s coastal waters,” CSA said.
“They are targeted for deployment in 2025, ahead of the nation’s goal for all new coastal vessels to be fully electric or operate on low-carbon energy solutions by 2030.”
Tan Thai Yong, managing director, strategic projects & technology, at Kuok Maritime Group and chair of the CSA council, described the start of construction of the two electric vessels as a “pivotal growth phase”.
“The joint contributions by CSA members and the continued support of the Maritime & Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) empower us to fast-track our investment commitment of SGD 20m [$14.8m] to 2025, accelerating this industry-led initiative to decarbonise our coastal ecosystem and advance the green track record for our maritime sector in a commercially sustainable manner,” he added.
More than half of the components of the PXO vessels are sourced locally, supporting the growth of small and medium-size businesses and start-ups through a sustainable green supply chain and maritime business ecosystem, the CSA said.
Local firm Sea Forrest Power Solutions is in negotiations to supply critical components such as motors, battery management systems and batteries for the e-supply boat.
George Lee, CEO of Sea Forrest Power Solutions, said: “We value the support by the CSA to tap on our expertise in the development of interoperable marine electrification and charging solutions.
“Our collaboration with the CSA has opened growth opportunities for us to contribute to the industry’s decarbonisation goals with cost-effective, retrofittable and operator-centric solutions.”
Pacific Workboats has agreed to buy the electric-powered tug on delivery, while the search for a charter for the e-supply boat is “ongoing”, according to the CSA.
“Commercial interest in the PXO series continues to grow, with several CSA members exploring opportunities to charter these next-generation vessels,” it said.
“The PXO e-tug and e-supply boat are slated for deployment in 2025, marking a significant milestone in commercialising the PXO series.”
In February, the CSA was among the shortlisted entities announced by the MPA’s expression of interest to design and develop electric harbour craft.
The CSA has also added nine new members, expanding to 27 members from the initial seven companies when it was formed in March 2022.
The new members are DBS, Singapore’s largest bank; CIMC Energy Storage; Grant Thornton; Hanhwa Aerospace; KST Maritime; Marina Offshore; Paia Consulting; Siemens Energy; and Transport Capital.
The CSA said the new members “hail from diverse sectors, including finance, green energy, corporate and environmental consultancies and maritime services” and “exemplify the growing support network for advancing Singapore’s maritime decarbonisation efforts”.
