Singapore-based electric vessel makers report growing demand from overseas markets, even as local uptake remains modest due to concerns over costs and infrastructure.
- Electric vessel demand doubles in two years with strong overseas interest.
- Singapore’s harbour craft electrification still in early stages amid concerns.
- New regulations aim for all new harbour craft to be electric or use net-zero fuels by 2030.
What happened
Local startup Pyxis has been operating five electric ferries on the Singapore River since 2025, with plans for nine more by year-end. These vessels, powered by batteries supported with solar panels, use very little energy—comparable to just two to three hairdryers running while cruising. The company’s founder notes a doubling in demand for their electric vessels, including harbour craft, over the past two to three years, driven mostly by overseas interest from countries such as Japan and Indonesia.
Another company, Yinson GreenTech based in Malaysia, also reports strong demand internationally, having secured contracts in regions like the United Arab Emirates. Their electric vessels incorporate digital tracking and real-time emissions monitoring, with advanced features planned, including autonomous operation and battery swapping. Despite growing global momentum, electric vessels still represent only a small fraction of Singapore’s approximately 1,600 harbour craft.
Why it feels good
Electric vessels provide a quieter, cleaner transport option that aligns with global and regional goals to reduce emissions from shipping, especially for short-distance and harbour operations. They help lower the environmental impact on waterways and urban river settings like Singapore’s, while offering operational savings as rising fuel costs make electric alternatives more economical in heavily used routes.
The push for electrification supports Singapore’s vision for a sustainable maritime future. Regulatory targets encourage companies to move towards decarbonization, strengthening confidence that electric vessels can be practical and financially viable over time. Developments in digital technology further enhance operational efficiency and emissions transparency, which build trust and awareness among operators and regulators.
What to enjoy or watch next
Looking ahead, Singapore aims for all new harbour craft entering the Port of Singapore to be fully electric or capable of using sustainable and net-zero fuels such as B100 biofuel or hydrogen starting in 2030. Charging infrastructure is being developed to support these vessels, with technical standards to ensure interoperability and safety. This ecosystem approach—from builders to operators and regulators—is crucial to accelerating the local adoption of electric maritime technology.
Stakeholders should watch how operators adapt to new systems, and how deployment of digital tools improves route planning and vessel scheduling efficiency. Internationally, rising contracts and pilot projects evolving into commercial operations signal that electric vessels will become a significant part of maritime transport, helping reduce carbon footprints worldwide while preserving vibrant, quieter waterways back home in Singapore.