Singapore’s First Fully Electric Cargo Vessel ‘Hydromover’ Begins Commercial Trials

Yinson GreenTech’s marinEV has begun commercial trials for the Hydromover, Singapore’s first all-electric light cargo vessel.

The trials began on August 26, 2024, and are essential in decarbonizing Singapore’s maritime industry.

The Hydromover, an 18.5-meter vessel developed by the Goal Zero Consortium and funded by the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) and the Singapore Maritime Institute (SMI), aims to reduce operational costs and carbon emissions in the domestic harbour craft sector.

The vessel features a swappable battery system and can carry up to 25 tonnes of cargo. As a zero-emission vessel, it is expected to reduce energy usage and maintenance costs compared to conventional diesel-powered vessels.

The trials are open to industry leaders interested in reducing their carbon footprint and complying with Singapore’s goal of reaching net-zero emissions in the harbour craft sector by 2050.

The first trial was held at the Lita Ocean shipyard, where the Hydromover was handed over to OPL Services, the first company to participate.

Over the next few months, other harbour craft operators can trial charter the vessel, allowing them to test the benefits of having an electric vessel in their operational fleet.

Yinson GreenTech announced that six potential partners are interested in chartering the Hydromover for operational trials.

Lita Ocean, DM Sea Logistics, OPL Services, Kanlian Ferry, RW Marine Services, and Tian San Shipping manage a combined fleet of more than 200 vessels. The collaboration reveals an important prospect for future conversions to electric fleets.

Jan-Viggo Johansen, Managing Director of marinEV, expressed enthusiasm about the trials, adding that they are an essential step toward the commercial adoption of electric vessels in the maritime industry.

Johansen reiterated the company’s commitment to innovation and sustainable maritime transport practices and encouraged industry leaders to participate in the trials to witness the operational advantages of electric vessels.

Stanley Ong, Director of Netline Group, which owns OPL Services, highlighted the need to understand electric vessels’ capabilities and limitations for future planning. He emphasized that examining the Hydromover’s performance is crucial for achieving MPA’s green targets by 2030.

Reference: Yinson GreenTech

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