The Coastal Sustainability Alliance (CSA), an industry collaborative effort led by Kuok Maritime Group (KMG), has marked what is considered to be a significant milestone with the launch of its first fully electric supply boat (e-supply boat) from shipyard to water and keel laying of its first fully electric tug at Kuok Group company PaxOcean Batam.
These two achievements underscore CSA’s commitment to accelerating maritime decarbonisation, marine electrification, and advancements in energy-efficient logistics. These electric vessels are among 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, MD and 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.”
Kenneth Lim, Assistant Chief Executive (Industry and Transformation), Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA), said: “Today, we witness the fruits of industry and researchers’ partnerships and collaboration in driving maritime decarbonisation, and advancing energy efficient solutions for Maritime Singapore. MPA is glad to celebrate the launch of Coastal Sustainability Alliance (CSA)’s first fully electric supply boat and the keel lay of the electric tug, and is committed to working with industry partners like CSA to achieve Singapore’s sustainability and decarbonisation goals.”
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 features a 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 40t 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 PXO-ACE-1 electric tug 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 PXO-ACE-1 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 off-taking arrangements and trial the electric supply boat in the second half of 2025, while the construction of the electric tug is scheduled to be completed in early 2026.
Image: Launch of PXO-EXL-1 electric supply boat (source: PaxOcean Shipyard)
