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Electrification over Emissions: Electrifying Singapore’s Harbour Craft Ecosystem

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With a goal to reach net-zero by 2050, Maritime Singapore is making strides towards the reduction of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by embarking on the journey to electrify the harbour craft ecosystem.

The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) recently launched the first pilot trial for electric harbour craft (e-HC) charging point at the Marina South Pier (MSP) following an earlier call for proposals to develop and operate e-HC charging points at various locations under a two-year pilot scheme.

The charging point at MSP was awarded to a partnership comprising Pyxis Energy, Pyxis Maritime, and SP Mobility. Pyxis’ fleet of e-HCs operating at MSP will serve as the base offtake to ensure optimisation of the charging infrastructure and enable comprehensive data to be gathered. Insights from the data collected will contribute towards the development of a national e-HC charging infrastructure masterplan, implementation plan, and national standards for e-HC charging infrastructure.

Lyn Phun, Pyxis’s Chief Corporate Officer

We sat down with Lyn Phun, Chief Corporate Officer, from local startup Pyxis following their recent launch of Singapore’s first fully electrified harbour craft X-Tron on 27 March 2024, to understand how e-HCs can contribute to the greening of Singapore’s coastal waters.

What advantages do electric harbour crafts (e-HCs) offer over conventional ones from a sustainability point of view?

Electric harbour crafts are powered by electricity as compared to conventional harbour crafts which are usually powered by fossil fuels such as marine gas oil or diesel.

X-Tron, the first of the Pyxis One electric port passenger vessel series developed by Pyxis.

We launched our inaugural vessel from Pyxis’ flagship product line, the Pyxis One series of electric vessels, which we named X-Tron.  Tailored specifically for the dynamic Singapore port market, the Pyxis One seamlessly shuttles up to 12 passengers and a crew of two between mainland Singapore and ships stationed at the anchorage. With a purpose-built aluminium catamaran hull, an efficient electric propulsion chain, and an IoT-enabled (Internet of Things) digital ecosystem platform, the Pyxis One pushes the boundaries of innovation and brings significant productivity gains.

How will e-HCs impact green/sustainable shipping in Singapore?

 

Harbour crafts play a significant role in the Port of Singapore by performing a wide variety of supporting functions such as crew transfer, supply delivery, towage amongst others. There are 1,600 of such vessels operating in our waters hence electrifying them allows the industry to take a step forward in creating a greener and digitalised port.

What are the primary drivers that motivate shipping companies to shift towards greener and more sustainable alternatives in their fleet operations?

Mr Baey Yam Keng, Senior Parliamentary Secretary for the Ministry of Transport & Ministry of Sustainability and the Environment graces the launch of Pyxis One as the Guest-of-Honour.

A global shift in demand for greener maritime services encourages shipping companies to shift to a more sustainable fleet. This shift, aided by regulatory guidance by governments around the world to reach net zero emissions by 2050, encourages shipping companies to choose sustainable alternatives. For example, by 2030 in Singapore, all new harbour crafts must be fully electric, be capable of using B100 biofuel, or be compatible with net zero fuels such as hydrogen.

What does green and sustainable shipping mean to Pyxis, and why is it so important to the industry and the environment?

 

Pyxis believes in creating a greener, more sustainable maritime future for generations to come. Shipping currently contributes 3% to global carbon emissions, which may rise to 17% by the year 2050 if this trajectory continues. Thus, Pyxis aspires to work with the ecosystem to develop more sustainable maritime products and services to limit carbon emissions.

Beyond electric harbour crafts, what additional decarbonization projects and sustainable shipping initiatives is Pyxis currently pursuing?

An e-HC charging point jointly developed by Pyxis and SP Mobility.

Pyxis is currently embarking on electric vessel charging stations. We have recently been selected by Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) to pilot our vessel charging stations at Marina South Pier public landing site, together with SP Mobility, our consortium partner. This allows us to build a business model which enables existing maritime companies to seamlessly adopt electric vessels into their fleet.

Lastly, what are some tips you have for companies to stay relevant in the green transition?

 

Pyxis is always learning, unlearning, and relearning as we transit to a sustainable, digital maritime economy!

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