Goal Zero consortium launches fully electric cargo vessel in Singapore
Vessel design firm SeaTech Solutions-led Goal Zero consortium has launched a fully electric cargo vessel with swappable batteries in Singapore.
PHOTO: Goal Zero consortium’s fully electric cargo vessel Hydromover. Yinson GreenTech
The vessel, Hydromover, is Singapore’s first fully electric cargo vessel, the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore’s (MPA) chief executive Eng Dih Teo informs.
Designed by SeaTech Solutions, the vessel has been built by shipbuilder Lita Ocean. Canadian battery company Shift Clean Energy provided the battery technology, while green tech company Yinson GreenTech (YGT) led the vessel’s management and commercialisation. Classification society RINA was also involved in the process.
The vessel is integrated with swappable batteries and can carry up to 25 mt of cargo load.
“It generates zero emissions and can potentially reduce operational costs by up to 50% compared to conventional vessels due to improved energy efficiency and lower maintenance costs,” YGT claims.
The vessel also features other energy efficiency technologies including catamaran aluminium hull to reduce drag, lightweight components and solar panels to generate clean energy onboard. It is also equipped with azimuth thrusters, which ensures good manoeuvrability of a vessel and reduces fuel consumption.
The vessel’s batteries can be swapped out quickly that minimises the operational downtime. This feature makes it more productive compared to a conventional harbour craft, Teo says.
The vessel will also serve as a “living lab” for YGT and other Goal Zero consortium members including the Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT), and the Technology Centre for Offshore and Marine, Singapore (TCOMS).
Another electric vessel, Hydroglyder, to transfer crew is currently undergoing sea trials, Teo says.
The project has been supported under the MPA and the Singapore Maritime Institute's (SMI) joint call for proposals on harbour craft electrification. The Goal Zero consortium is three out of 16 proposals that have been shortlisted for development and commercialisation.
Five companies have submitted letters of intent to charter the Hydromover for operational trials, with a view to electrify their fleets in future. These include two Goal Zero consortium members - Lita Ocean and DM Sea Logistics - and three others - OPL Services, RW Marine Services and Tian San Shipping.
“This marks another milestone in Singapore’s path to digitalise and decarbonise our harbourcraft sector and contributing to Sg’s net-zero goal,” Teo concludes.
By Tuhin Roy
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