Ultra-efficient electric vessel supports Singapore’s harbour craft decarbonisation efforts
Hydromover 2.0, an ultra-efficient, fully electric light cargo transfer vessel designed by Incat Crowther for Singapore-based marinEV, a business of Yinson GreenTech, has officially entered service in Singapore.
Building on the success of the prototype Hydromover 1.0, Singapore’s first fully electric cargo vessel launched in 2023, the next-generation Hydromover 2.0 is now transporting light cargo to vessels anchored in the Singapore Strait waiting to dock at the Port of Singapore. The launch of Hydromover 2.0 marks a major step forward in Singapore’s efforts to decarbonise its harbour craft fleet.
The 24-metre Hydromover 2.0 features an ultra-efficient hull form that maximises range and energy efficiency while ensuring smooth navigation in challenging sea conditions. The vessel can carry a 30-tonne payload across its 70m² cargo deck and is powered by a lithium-ion battery. Hydromover 2.0 also integrates advanced digitalisation features, including real-time analytics, route optimisation, collision detection and automated vessel management systems that helps to ensure efficient and safe operations.
Fully charged in under two hours, Hydromover 2.0 delivers high uptime and reliability for daily operations, providing 50 per cent more cargo capacity and a 75 per cent larger deck space than the prototype vessel. This supports greater cargo consolidation, efficiency and flexibility in port operations. Hydromover 2.0 also boasts an increased energy storage capacity and a redesigned electrical architecture to reduce power loss. These improvements translate into a threefold increase in the vessel’s operational range.
Unveiling the vessel, Yinson GreenTech also announced a bareboat charter agreement with Yacht International UAE with delivery of Hydromover 2.0 vessels to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) expected to occur by mid-2026. A memorandum of understanding (MoU) has also been signed between Yinson GreenTech, Yacht International UAE, and Wilhelmsen Port Services to advance the deployment of electric vessels throughout UAE ports.
Jan-Viggo Johansen, Managing Director of marinEV, said: “The all-new Hydromover 2.0 sets unprecedented standards for the modern maritime industry. At the same time, the signing of new agreements in the UAE marks a pivotal step forward for marinEV and Yinson GreenTech. Together, these milestones demonstrate our ability to move beyond innovation and into real-world deployment – taking proven electric vessel technology, connected IoT systems, and integrated digital platforms from Singapore to new markets. They reinforce our commitment to transforming port operations through the combined power of electrification and digitalisation, and to shaping a smarter, cleaner, and more connected maritime future.”
Sam Mackay, Technical Manager at Incat Crowther, said: “Seeing the Hydromover 2.0 enter service is a clear demonstration of how smart design and collaboration can accelerate the global transition to low and zero-emission shipping. The commissioning of new vessels for operation in the UAE underlines the proven performance and scalability of the Hydromover platform.”
