The Maritime and Port Authority (MPA) has issued an expression of interest (EOI) inviting proposals to design and promote the adoption of fully electric harbour craft (e-HC) in Singapore. The EOI will focus on the electrification of the smaller harbour craft, ranging between 20 to 40 tonnes and have an overall length between 10 to 20 metres. Currently, 400 such vessels are deployed in the Port of Singapore. Interested parties have until September 15, 2023 to submit their proposals.
The EOI will allow MPA to evaluate and validate proposals for optimal e-HC reference designs. The designs will include vessel structures for efficiency, integrated battery management and energy storage systems (ESS).
Additionally, MPA is also inviting proposals to demonstrate the commercial viability of different business models based on an aggregated fleet of harbour craft to meet the demand at the Port of Singapore. An aggregated fleet is expected to enhance utilisation rates, encouraging operators of smaller vessels to electrify their harbour craft.
Starting January 2027, harbour craft operators are required to inform MPA about their plans, allowing for potential adjustments to the designs if necessary. By 2030, all newly introduced harbour craft operating within the Port of Singapore must be fully electric, capable of utilising B100 biofuel, or compatible with net-zero fuels like hydrogen.
