Singapore’s plans for zero-emission port vehicles have been welcomed

Singapore’s net-zero emission harbour craft deadlines have been praised by environmental pressure group Pacific Environment.

In order to achieve the goal of net-zero emissions from all port vehicles in the Port of Singapore, Singapore Transport Minister S. Iswaran announced in Parliament last week: “To achieve this transition, from 2030 all new port vehicles operating in our port waters, be fully electric, be able to use B100 biofuels, or be compatible with net-zero fuels like hydrogen.”

Around 1,600 port vessels are currently in use in Singapore’s port waters.

The new targets were supported by the Pacific Environment advocacy group. Allyson Browne, Climate Campaign Manager for Ports, Pacific Environment: “We applaud Singapore’s commitment to making ports and ships 100% zero emissions by 2050. That transition needs a kick-start this decade, and harbor boats are a great place to start. Fossil fuel-powered port vessels — including ferries, tugboats, crew and supply boats, fishing vessels, pleasure boats, and others — produce air pollutants and greenhouse gas emissions that warm our planet. We need to convert these ships to electric and zero-emission engines as soon as possible.”

The Maritime & Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) supports electrification through a number of initiatives including consortia researching and developing electric ferries and lighter boats. Meanwhile, Shell and Penguin International are commissioning their first all-electric ferries and shore-based fast chargers, which are expected to become operational later this year.

The MPA aims to develop a master plan for the implementation of the charging infrastructure by 2025 and has started a study with local research institutes, the results of which are expected to be published in 2024.

Pacific Environment urged other ports to follow Singapore’s example. “It is imperative that leading port cities like Singapore accelerate their commitment and action towards zero-emission shipping to protect the health of port communities, tackle the climate crisis and drastically reduce pollution in ports,” Browne said.

Source: News Network