Focus Area: Digitalisation (AI, Cloud, Cybersecurity)
Overview
From 2030, all new harbor crafts in Singapore's port waters must be fully electric, capable of using B100 biofuel, or compatible with net-zero fuels like hydrogen. To support this transition, Singapore is developing vessel charging infrastructure, with several companies piloting their charging concepts. However, factors such as tidal conditions, vessel size, and plug types pose challenges. How can we improve visibility and access to charging stations?
Importance
- High Traffic: Singapore’s port experiences high traffic with around 140,000 ships annually.
- Congestion Risks: Long waiting times for charging could cause congestion, reducing operational efficiency and affecting the port's attractiveness as a global seaport.
Market Potential
- Applicable to all-electric vessels, including Singapore’s 1,600 harbor crafts.
- The global electric vessel market was valued at USD 7.98 billion in 2022 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 10.9% from 2023 to 2030.
Current Efforts
- On land, multiple apps display real-time EV charger availability, but this does not yet exist for the maritime sector.
- Companies involved include Yinson, Seatech, Pyxis, Paxocean/CSA, Seatrium, Penguin/Shell, among others.
Solution Criteria
- Optimization Factors: Must account for tidal conditions, berth suitability, compatibility with onboard systems, types of charging points, and sea space capacity.
- User Interface: Should include real-time dashboards displaying charging point locations, availability, estimated charging time, and notifications for charger availability and completion.
- Data and Security: Must ensure data security to prevent unauthorized access, with AI advising on optimal charging times based on charger availability. Data should be used for developing national standards and plans.
- Open Standards: Should use open data standards to encourage ecosystem adoption.
Potential Solutions
- Battery Module Design: Develop lighter and more compact battery modules.
- Battery Re-use: Utilize batteries from electric vehicles.
- Fast-Charging Compatibility: Ensure batteries can handle fast-charging rates (more than 2C).
- Energy Density Improvement: Reduce the energy density gap between Li-ion batteries and Marine Gas Oil.
- Safety and Efficiency Enhancements: Improve battery module design for safety and performance, including thermal management and load balancing.
By addressing these aspects, the optimization of vessel charging can significantly enhance operational efficiency, reduce congestion, and support Singapore's transition to sustainable maritime operations.