Singapore’s largest electric supply boat launched

The Coastal Sustainability Alliance (CSA), an industry collaborative effort led by Kuok Maritime Group (KMG), marked a significant achievement with the launch of its first fully electric supply boat (e-supply boat) from shipyard to water and keel lay of its first fully electric tug at PaxOcean Batam.

These two milestones underscore CSA’s commitment to accelerating maritime decarbonisation, marine electrification, and advancements in energy-efficient logistics. These electric vessels are amongst the first and largest local electric harbour craft designed for operations in Singapore’s waters. The e-supply boat is launched ahead of the nation’s goal for all new harbour craft to be fully electric or compatible with net-zero fuels by 2030.

Tan Thai Yong, Managing Director/CEO, PaxOcean Group and Chairperson, CSA, said: “The launch of the PXO-EXL-1 e-supply boat is a testament to our commitment to decarbonising Singapore’s coastal logistics ecosystem. This vessel demonstrates what CSA can achieve when industry players, researchers, and regulators come together to innovate and collaborate. Together with the keel lay of the PXO-ACE-1 electric tug, these milestones bring us closer to achieving a green and operationally efficient maritime sector.”

As the electric supply boat has undergone design optimising and enhancement with MPA and the Institutes of Higher Learnings (IHLs) / Research Institutes (RI), the vessel features improved energy efficiency for sustainable and viable coastal operations. The PXO-EXL-1, dual-classed by Bureau Veritas (BV) and RINA, is built to deliver high performance while advancing Singapore’s commitment to maritime innovation and sustainability.

The PXO-EXL-1 Electric Supply Boat stands out for its high-performance and energy efficient design, capable of cruising at 8 knots in zero-emission operations while maintaining operational reliability. Furthermore, the e-supply boat is designed with the operational insights of harbour craft owners to meet economic viability by delivering higher cargo volumes and extended operations, thereby enabling marine logistics to optimise deliveries and reduce marine traffic. With these insights, the PXO-EXL-1 has been designed to accommodate a payload of 40 tons or 60 pallets. Coupled with an efficient hull design and operationally efficient marine logistics, the vessel can achieve 60% energy savings over a conventional lighter making multiple trips, providing significant costs and carbon emissions reduction for the industry.

As the first fully electric tug to be assembled, delivered, and operated in Singapore, the vessel highlights the CSA’s role in driving sustainable harbour operations.

During the ceremony, the keel was officially laid in the presence of key stakeholders, accompanied by a certification signing with representatives from classification society, Bureau Veritas (BV). This milestone marks the beginning of construction for a vessel poised to redefine harbour towage in Singapore with its zero-emission capabilities.

Supported under the MPA Maritime Innovation and Technology Fund, the 50T bollard pull PXOACE-1 electric tug incorporates advanced technologies for propulsion, energy storage, and battery management systems. The product development is supported by digital twin models with research collaborators to enhance confidence in a best-in-class electric tug to meet operational requirements within the Port of Singapore. The vessel is future fuel-ready for zero-carbon fuels, a critical feature supporting the maritime industry’s multi-fuel transition towards decarbonisation and ensuring adaptability to net-zero fuel throughout an extended service life.

The CSA will bring together international shipping agencies to explore offtaking arrangements and trial the electric supply boat in the second half of 2025, while the construction of the electric tug is slated to be completed in 1Q2026.