Singapore-based ship owner AET, a subsidiary of MSC Berhad, has signed an agreement with Fleetzero, a developer and manufacturer of modular marine batteries for hybrid and electric ships, for the development of what is believed to be the longest-range plug-in hybrid-electric vessel.
The signing ceremony took place at the AET Offshore office in Galveston, Texas, with representatives from both companies present. Under the agreement, one of AET’s lightering support vessels (LSV) will be retrofitted with a plug-in hybrid-electric system. The vessel will operate primarily on battery power, reducing GHG emissions by around 82% when compared to conventional LSVs2 on a tank-to-wake basis. This is estimated to avoid 1,220t of GHG emissions, significantly reducing fuel consumption and maintenance costs , while maintaining high safety standards.
Zahid Osman, President and CEO, MISC Group, said: “This partnership marks a pivotal step in our decarbonisation journey and energy transition strategy. We are proud to partner Fleetzero in developing the world’s largest plug-in hybrid-electric LSV, reinforcing our commitment to innovative and sustainable solutions in the maritime industry. By integrating plug-in hybrid electric solutions into our fleet, we are transforming ambition into action to deliver more energy with less emissions. This pilot project also allows us to evaluate the feasibility and operational performance of this technology, paving the way for potential deployment across AET’s and potentially MISC’s fleet.”
Steven Henderson, Co-Founder and CEO, Fleetzero, added: “We are so excited about this project because it promises to advance marine electrification in a commercially viable way, and the impact is immense – drastically reducing emissions from the vessel operations. Many of us at Fleetzero have served at sea as mariners, and we designed our technology to enhance mariner safety and ease of operations, not only to improve emissions and efficiency. Fleetzero’s technology is built by mariners for mariners.”
The collaboration is said to underscore AET’s dedication to advancing sustainable maritime transportation, driving innovation, and reaffirming commitment to environmental stewardship, in alignment with the industry’s broader decarbonisation efforts.
Image: AET and Fleetzero personnel at the hybrid-electric vessel signing (source: AET)
