MPA and Shell partner to accelerate use of electric ferries in Singapore

The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) and oil supermajor Shell have agreed to advance the adoption of electric ferries and “the development of low-and zero-carbon fuels in Singapore.”

PHOTO: MPA chief executive Teo Eng Dih (second from left) and Shell Shipping and Maritime’s general manager Nick Potter (third from left) at deal signing. MPA

Through the agreement, both the entities intend to build infrastructure for charging electric ferries and develop low-and zero-carbon fuels to drive decarbonisation efforts in Singapore.

In sync with this plan, Shell has unveiled “the first of a series of electric ferries in Singapore.” The ferry, Penguin Refresh, has been built by Singapore-based shipbuilder Penguin International. It will enter service in May and ply between Pasir Panjang Ferry Terminal and Pulau Bukom. Two more ferries will be deployed in August.

MPA will also work with Shell to make the charging facilities available for other electric ferry users and study the feasibility of expanding the same across the island.

“The MoU is an important step towards achieving our 2030 goal for all new harbour craft to be fully electric, be capable of using 100% biofuels or be compatible with net zero fuels, and achieving net zero emissions in our harbour craft, pleasure craft and tugboat sectors by 2050,” MPA chief executive Teo Eng Dih says.

By Tuhin Roy

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