PaxOcean Group and ABB have successfully commissioned Singapore’s first fully electric tug, PXO-ACE-1, marking a significant advancement in the city-state’s harbor craft electrification initiative. This 50-tonne bollard pull tug is set for deployment in April 2026 and is powered by an integrated electric propulsion system provided by ABB. The project aligns with the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore’s mandate for all new harbor craft to be fully electric or compatible with sustainable fuels by 2030.
With over 1,600 harbor vessels in operation, the introduction of battery-powered craft like PXO-ACE-1 aims to enhance local air quality and reduce noise and vibration levels compared to traditional diesel vessels. The tug utilizes ABB’s Onboard DC Grid, featuring a power and energy management system that optimizes its three-megawatt-hour battery pack, ensuring efficiency and extending operational range.
Tan Thai Yong, Managing Director of PaxOcean Group, emphasized ABB’s crucial role in integrating the vessel’s systems, ensuring its operational integrity and safety. Olli Tuunainen from ABB highlighted that tugs are prime candidates for electrification due to their operational profiles and proximity to charging infrastructure, paving the way for further electrification in Singapore and across Asia.
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