Shell and Singapore MPA ink decarbonisation MoU, includes electric harbour craft focusShell and Singapore MPA ink decarbonisation MoU, includes electric harbour craft focus

The two parties inked a five-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Monday to expand collaboration on decarbonisation in Singapore including the adoption of electric harbour craft and the development of low and zero carbon fuels. The collaboration will include charging infrastructure for electric harbour craft and training of crew in handling and operating alternative fuels.

Shell and MPA previously signed and MoU on clean fuel technology in 2017 and the MoU signed on Monday represents another step forward.

The electrification of harbour craft is part of Singapore decarbonisation goals in maritime and the MoU was signed at event that unveiled the first in a series of electric ferries that Shell will use to transport Shell personnel, contractors, and visitors between Pasir Panjang Ferry Terminal and Pulau Bukom.

The Penguin Refresh, built, owned, and operated by local shipyard and owner Penguin International will be Singapore’s first electric ferry service.

Speaking at the event Singapore Transport Minister S Iswaran said, “This early initiative can serve as a pathfinder for the maritime sector, as the sector gears up to fulfil MPA’s requirement for new harbour craft operating in our port waters to be fully electric, capable of using B100 biofuels or be compatible with net zero fuels by 2030, which is something we announced just last month.”

Related:Singapore’s net-zero emission harbour craft plans applauded

The Penguin Refresh will go into service in May and be followed by two additional electric ferries in August.

The MoU was signed by Teo Eng Dih, Chief Executive of MPA and Nick Potter, General Manager of Shell Shipping and Maritime for Asia Pacific and the Middle East.

MPA Chief Executive Teo commented: “The MoU is an important step towards achieving our 2030 goal for all new harbour craft to be fully electric, be capable of using 100% biofuels or be compatible with net zero fuels, and achieving net zero emissions in our harbour craft, pleasure craft and tugboat sectors by 2050.” 

Speaking for Shell Potter said, “Shell is working closely with industry stakeholders from across the value chain to explore the fuel and technology pathways to shipping decarbonisation, and later this year, we plan to kick off a hydrogen fuel cell trial on a Shell-chartered vessel.”