Singapore-built crewboat ‘Pelican Peace’ targets efficiency gains and emissions reduction in oil & gas sector
Singapore-based Penguin International, has unveiled a full-hybrid fast crewboat, Pelican Peace, at Asia Pacific Maritime 2026. The vessel was unveiled at the Singapore Pavilion hosted by the Association of Singapore Marine & Offshore Energy Industries (ASMI). The 42-metre FLEX-42MX HYBRID multi-role crewboat has been designed, constructed and will be operated by Penguin. The vessel represents a significant development in the application of hybrid propulsion technology within the offshore oil & gas sector.
Unlike conventional shaft-generator or hybrid-assist systems, Pelican Peace is built around a true parallel hybrid architecture. The system incorporates a 232 kWh battery energy storage system integrated into the vessel’s main DC grid, enabling automatic switching between operating modes based on load requirements.
The hybrid propulsion configuration allows both engines and electric motors to drive the shafts, supporting generator-off operations during low-load, standby and overnight conditions. Additional features include peak shaving and load levelling, reducing engine running hours while improving overall efficiency.
Operationally, the FLEX-42MX HYBRID multi-role crewboat supports full-electric propulsion at speeds of 6–8 knots, suitable for low-speed transit and standby operations, and can provide up to nine hours of generator-off hotel load support overnight. The configuration enables quiet, zero-emission operations in port and during standby, while delivering measurable reductions in fuel consumption, emissions and maintenance requirements.
The project was privately funded and developed in collaboration with REINTJES Group, Danfoss Drives, Noris Automation GmbH, Chengrui Power Technology and Razor Blunt Labs. The partners contributed across drivetrain systems, power electronics, battery management, controls and automation, system integration and modelling.
