The Coastal Sustainability Alliance (CSA), an industry-led collaboration spearheaded by Kuok Maritime Group (KMG), has achieved a significant milestone with the launch of its first fully electric supply boat (e-supply boat) and the keel laying of its first fully electric tug at PaxOcean Batam.
These milestones underscore CSA’s commitment to maritime decarbonisation, marine electrification, and energy-efficient logistics. The electric vessels are among the first and largest locally designed electric harbour craft built for operations in Singapore’s waters. The e-supply boat is launched ahead of the national target for all new harbour craft to be fully electric or compatible with net-zero fuels by 2030.
Tan Thai Yong, Managing Director and CEO of PaxOcean Group and Chairperson of CSA, highlighted the significance of this achievement: “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 collaborate and innovate. Together with the keel laying of the PXO-ACE-1 electric tug, these milestones bring us closer to a greener and more operationally efficient maritime sector.”
Kenneth Lim, Assistant Chief Executive (Industry & Transformation) at the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA), echoed this sentiment, stating: “Today, we witness the success of industry and research partnerships in driving maritime decarbonisation and advancing energy-efficient solutions for Maritime Singapore.
“MPA is pleased to celebrate the launch of CSA’s first fully electric supply boat and the keel laying of its electric tug, and remains committed to working with industry partners like CSA to achieve Singapore’s sustainability and decarbonisation goals.”
Developed in collaboration with MPA and various Institutes of Higher Learning (IHLs) and Research Institutes (RIs), the PXO-EXL-1 features an optimised design that enhances energy efficiency for sustainable coastal operations. Dual-classed by Bureau Veritas (BV) and RINA, the vessel embodies Singapore’s commitment to maritime innovation and sustainability.
The PXO-EXL-1’s high-performance and energy-efficient design enables it to cruise at 8 knots in zero-emission operations while maintaining reliability. Designed with insights from harbour craft owners, the e-supply boat ensures economic viability by delivering higher cargo volumes and extended operational capabilities.
With a payload capacity of 40 tonnes or 60 pallets, the vessel’s efficient hull design and advanced marine logistics can achieve up to 60% energy savings over conventional lighters making multiple trips, leading to significant cost and carbon emissions reductions for the industry.
As Singapore’s first fully electric tug to be assembled, delivered, and operated locally, the PXO-ACE-1 underscores CSA’s leadership in sustainable harbour operations. During the keel laying ceremony, key stakeholders and Bureau Veritas (BV) representatives signed a certification, marking the commencement of construction on a vessel set to redefine harbour towage with its zero-emission capabilities.
Supported by the MPA Maritime Innovation and Technology Fund, the PXO-ACE-1 boasts a 50-tonne bollard pull and integrates advanced propulsion, energy storage, and battery management technologies. Digital twin models, developed in collaboration with research partners, enhance the vessel’s performance and reliability.
Additionally, the tug is future-fuel ready, supporting the maritime sector’s transition to net-zero carbon fuels and ensuring long-term adaptability.
CSA plans to collaborate with international shipping agencies to explore offtaking arrangements and conduct trials for the electric supply boat in the second half of 2025. Meanwhile, the construction of the PXO-ACE-1 electric tug is scheduled for completion in Q1 2026.
As Singapore Maritime Week 2025 approaches in March, the launch of the PXO-EXL-1 Electric Supply Boat and the keel laying of the PXO-ACE-1 Electric Tug mark pivotal steps in CSA’s journey towards a more sustainable and innovative maritime future.
The post CSA Advances Maritime Decarbonisation with Electric Vessels first appeared on Energy Asia.
