The Coastal Sustainability Alliance (CSA), an industry collaborative effort led by Kuok Maritime Group (KMG), signed two Letters of Intent (LOIs) on Day 2 of the Accelerating Digitalisation and Decarbonisation Conference at Singapore Maritime Week (SMW) 2025. The first focus is on prioritising using PXO’s E-Supply Boat by key ship agencies during an upcoming trial, and the second focus is on developing a multi-modal, multi-site marine charging infrastructure. These partnerships mark a significant milestone in advancing the adoption of e-vessels and supporting infrastructure, setting the stage for the fruition of CSA’s vision to develop Singapore’s next-generation coastal logistics ecosystem.
“Milk Run” Trial with shipping companies for E-supply boat adoption
KMG has signed an LOI with seven major ship agencies and one chandler: GAC Singapore, Horizon Shipping Agencies, Inchcape Shipping Services, Johnasia Shipping, RMS Marine & Offshore Service, Sinoda Shipping Agency, and Wilhelmsen Port Services — to utilise the services of the PXO E-Supply Boat Voltai for deliveries to seagoing vessels in a one-year trial. The trial will prioritise lightboat operators making multiple deliveries, known as a “milk run”, to improve operational efficiency, lower carbon footprint, reduce marine traffic congestion and lower costs associated with operating electric vessels.
The trial addresses the growing pressure on merchant shipowners to reduce Scope 3 emissions, offering a commercially viable pathway for greener supply chain solutions. Each E-Supply Boat trip is expected to cut 0.5 metric tons of Scope 3 greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions per arrival of a merchant ship at the Port of Singapore. As the marine logistics industry pivots towards net-zero goals, the electrification pathway can result in an estimated reduction of 9,000 metric tons of GHG emissions per month across 600 daily trips made by conventional supply boats. The findings from the trial will influence the development of future PXO E-Supply Boats, ensuring that they align with industry needs while advancing Singapore’s decarbonisation goals.
Multi-site, multi-modal marine charging infrastructure
KMG has signed another LOI with Singapore and international companies: BeeCharge Innovation Group, Jurong Port, Pyxis, RExus Bioenergy, SP Mobility, and Wilhelmsen Ships Service – to provide charging infrastructure and facilities to support the appointed operator of the PXO E-Supply Boat Voltai during the “milk run” trial. This partnership will feature a multi modal and multi-location approach featuring various charging infrastructure, including shore based charging at key waterfront sites, and mobile charging powered by solar energy for on demand needs. As the charging infrastructure will operate on a common technical standard, it will be critical in accelerating MaritimeSG’s green transition by enabling efficient charging turnaround for e-vessels and minimising operational downtime.
Tan Thai Yong, Managing Director and CEO, PaxOcean Group and Chairperson, CSA, said: “The commitment by leading ship agencies and a chandler to prioritise the hiring of the PXO E-Supply Boat Voltai marks a fundamental shift in maritime logistics. Traditionally, supply boat operations have been conducted point-to-point, leading to inefficiencies and increasing emissions. Implementing the ‘milk run’ model consolidates multiple deliveries into optimised routes, benefiting all stakeholders by reducing unnecessary trips, lowering operational costs, and significantly cutting emissions. This initiative can transform legacy port logistics, setting the stage for an industry-wide shift toward sustainable and efficient operations.
On the charging partnership LOI, he added, “By bringing together various site owners and charging partners, we envision concurrent efforts contributing to Singapore’s electric charging infrastructure along the coastline, eventually extending beyond our PXO vessels’ operating bases. Over time, we hope to see more public charging infrastructure deployed strategically and decisively along Singapore’s shoreline to support operations in the Western and Eastern anchorages.”
Public visit to Singapore’s largest electric supply boat
SMW 2025 will feature an exclusive public showcase of the PXO E-Supply Boat Voltai, Singapore’s largest electric supply boat and one of the first to be accorded Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore’s (MPA) Tier 1 design for next-generation electric harbour craft.
Recently delivered from PaxOcean Batam, this vessel has four times the cargo space of conventional supply boats and represents a significant step forward in sustainable maritime logistics and decarbonisation efforts. Visitors can explore the Voltai’s groundbreaking features, including its expanded cargo capacity, zero-emission propulsion system, and advanced energy storage system. The tour will highlight how the vessel’s battery energy storage system enables zero-emission operations and covers an 80-nautical-mile range at 8 knots while reducing operational costs and carbon footprint.
