| After 2 or so years of work, a made-in-Singapore plug-in hybrid system for propelling small marine vessels is close to becoming operational in a newbuild vessel. Keen interest for the system is expected to come from buyers of small newbuilds -- and owners of existing vessels (up to 45 metres long) who want to retrofit their engines. Over time, legislation which requires lower emissions from vessels could be introduced, which would push vessel owners to adopt such green technology. The development project has been spearheaded by BOS Offshore & Marine, a 90%-owned subsidiary of BH Global Corporation. BOS has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with strategic project partners -- notably SMEs in Singapore -- for the joint design, development and construction of Singapore’s first plug-in hybrid electric fast launch. The first launch boat is being constructed by Penguin International and is expected to be delivered in 1Q or 2Q this year. Penguin will own and operate the vessel -- and showcase its capabilities for buyers looking to buy vessels with such green technologies. |
L-R: Patrick Lim, COO, BH Global | Dr Sanjay Kuttan, Executive Director Singapore Maritime Institute | Tan Wah Jin, Dy GM, Durapower Technology (S) | Soren Kvorning, President Asia Pacific Region, Danfoss | Bryan Koh, MD, BOS Offshore & Marine | James Tham, MD, Penguin International | Koh Yong Ping, CEO, Bureau Veritas Marine (S) | Kenneth Lim, CTO, Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore. Photo: Company
The scope of cooperation includes integrating hybrid electric solutions, testing and certification.
The know-how generated will support Singapore’s push towards the adoption of hybrid electric propulsion systems for its maritime industry.
Under the MoU, the five parties will contribute their respective expertise:
| • BOS will provide technical and commercial expertise in the development of commercially viable Plug-in Parallel Hybrid Electric Propulsion Systems (“BOS EP System”) for small-to-medium sized vessels for operation in and around Singapore. • Penguin International, a leading designer, builder, owner and operator of aluminium high-speed vessels, will design, construct and commission a newbuild hybrid launch boat with the BOS EP System installed, and will operate the vessel on commercial routes. • Danfoss and Durapower Technology (Singapore) will support the testing and integration of their power drive trains and energy storage systems respectively with the BOS EP System. • Bureau Vitas Marine (Singapore) will review and endorse test facilities and procedures necessary towards certification of the BOS EP System. The hybrid launch will be classed by BV as a hybrid vessel. |
Guests at BOS Marine Hybrid Electric Propulsion Test Lab in Penjuru Lane. Photo: Company
In addition, BOS will spearhead further collaborations to develop the BOS Marine Electric Integration Centre, and drive initiatives towards the digitalisation of vessel operations with data analytics capabilities and smart connectivity features, and the development of a complete electrification ecosystem in Singapore.
This collaboration provides BH Global Corporation with a clear roadmap towards realising its goal of becoming a leading player in the Singapore maritime industry’s drive towards achieving global standards on carbon emission reductions.
BH Global Corporation intends to achieve this by offering environmentally sustainable solutions and expertise, with continual efforts on research and development and collaborations with local homegrown companies.
 “It is a great honour to partner with Penguin International and other industry players with solid expertise in their respective fields. "This collaboration is a significant stride for BH Global towards its goal of delivering environmentally friendly and commercially viable solutions for the local maritime industry, contributing positively to Singapore’s push towards reduction of carbon emissions and environmental sustainability in local maritime operations. "Most importantly, we are working collaboratively with Singaporean homegrown companies towards the realisation of this goal, putting Singapore on the world map as a global maritime member with the ability to deliver technologically advanced solutions towards the global goal of reducing carbon emissions.” -- Vincent Lim, CEO of BH Global (photo) |
Said Penguin International’s Managing Director Mr James Tham: “We are mindful of the role we play in Singapore’s marine ecosystem. This privately funded collaborative partnership is the best way forward in commercialising proven technologies in marine hybrid propulsion for the benefit of Singapore.”