Singapore accelerates its decarbonisation efforts

To this end the two parties have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) which will see the parties work together over a period of five years to identify energy-related development opportunities.

“Our partnership with Shell will tap into both MPA’s and Shell’s expertise in maritime decarbonisation, renewable energy and innovation,” said Mr Teo Eng Dih, chief executive of MPA .

”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.”

Collaborative work

The MoU includes collaboration on charging infrastructure for electric harbour craft. Both parties will also work together on the research and development of low-and-zero-carbon fuels, to include training of crew in the handling, operations and maintenance of vessels. 

Shell has recently unveiled the first of a series of electric ferries in Singapore and the first for Shell globally, held at the Shell Energy and Chemicals Park Singapore on Pulau Bukom.

It worked with a Singaporean homegrown shipbuilder and shipowner, Penguin International, on the first fully-electric ferry service in Singapore.

The Penguin Refresh, is scheduled to commence operations in May, ferrying Shell personnel, contractors and visitors between Pasir Panjang Ferry Terminal and Pulau Bukom.

Two additional electric ferries will be operational in August 2023.

Later this year, Shell also plans to kick off a hydrogen fuel cell trial on a Shell-chartered vessel.