Yinson GreenTech’s marinEV has launched commercial trials for the Hydromover, an electric Light Cargo Vessel representing a significant step in the decarbonisation of Singapore’s maritime sector. The Hydromover was developed by the Goal Zero Consortium and received funding from the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) and the Singapore Maritime Institute (SMI).
The lightweight 18.5m Hydromover is Singapore’s first fully electric cargo vessel. The zero-emission vessel is designed with swappable battery solutions and can carry up to 25 tonnes of cargo. The Hydromover will reduce operational costs compared to conventional vessels due to significant energy and maintenance cost reductions.
The commercial trials are open to industry leaders looking to reduce carbon footprint from their business activities. This will support Singapore’s goal of achieving net-zero emissions in the domestic harbour craft sector by 2050 while allowing harbour craft operators to trial a fully electric lighter craft as part of their existing fleet, experiencing the operational benefits of the innovative technology first-hand.
The inaugural commercial trial commenced with OPL Services on 26 August 2024, when the Hydromover vessel was handed over by marinEV at the Lita Ocean shipyard. Over the next few months, the Hydromover will be available to harbour craft operators in Singapore to trial charter the vessel as part of their operational fleet of harbour crafts.
Yinson GreenTech acknowledged six potential partners who have provided letters of intent to charter the Hydromover for operational trials with a view to electrifying their fleets in the future. These include two Goal Zero partners, Lita Ocean and DM Sea Logistics, as well as OPL Services, Kanlian Ferry, RW Marine Services, and Tian San Shipping. The six parties’ combined fleet is over 200 vessels, marking significant potential for future conversion to electric vessels.
“We are excited to take this significant step towards commercial adoption of electric vessels in the maritime industry,” said Jan-Viggo Johansen, Managing Director of marinEV. “This is a testament to our commitment to innovation and a crucial step in our mission to drive sustainable practices in maritime transport. We invite all industry leaders to partake in these historic commercial trials, taking the opportunity to have their next cargo delivered by a fully electric, zero-emission vessel. By demonstrating the real-world benefits of electric vessels, we hope to accelerate the industry’s transition to net zero.”
Mr Stanley Ong, Director of Netline Group, the parent company of OPL Services, said: “As prospective owners, we would like to further understand the capabilities and limitations of an electric vessel and what tangible benefits an EV would bring to the industry and us as business owners. Our future plans are to align with MPA‘s green targets by 2030. Therefore, understanding Hydromover and its future iterations is of utmost importance to us as we embark on this journey.”
