Green Shipping: CSA Leads the Way in Maritime Decarbonization

The Coastal Sustainability Alliance (CSA), an industry collaborative effort led by Kuok Maritime, formalized the addition of 11 new members on April 25 at Singapore Maritime Week 2023’s MarineTech Conference, graced by Guest of Honour Chee Hong Tat, Senior Minister of State, Ministry of Finance & Ministry of Transport. The contributions from the new members will accelerate CSA’s efforts to electrify, digitalize and decarbonize Singapore’s coastal vessels, strengthen marine supply chains, and build Singapore’s next-generation maritime ecosystem as part of its maritime decarbonization efforts.

The new CSA members include Ampotech, Columbia Ship Management Singapore, Green COP, Ken Energy, RMS Marine & Offshore Service, M1, MagicPort, Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT), Sinwa Singapore, ST Engineering, and Swift Total Logistics. This brings the CSA to 18 members since its formation in March 2022.

Collectively, CSA’s strategies actively contribute to the goals set out by the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. The Alliance is also working closely with the MPA to comply with regulatory requirements and infrastructure standards, as well as to encourage a collaborative maritime culture and ecosystem in regard to decarbonization in shipping.

Tan Thai Yong, Chief Executive Officer, PaxOcean and Chairperson of CSA Council, said: “We are excited to mark the Coastal Sustainability Alliance’s first anniversary with the addition of 11 new members and to advance our efforts to electrify and build Singapore’s next-generation coastal ecosystem conclusively.

“In this one year, we have reached a significant milestone in the commercialization of our PXO electric supply vessel, which will be the first and largest local design-build-and-deployed boats to be in operation in Singapore. Such achievements are only possible through the united efforts of our current and new CSA members and with the strong support of the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore, Enterprise Singapore, and Workforce Singapore.”

Teo Eng Dih, Chief Executive of Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore, said: “Maritime decarbonization requires the collective efforts of the entire value chain. It is heartening to know that 11 new members have joined the Coastal Sustainability Alliance on the journey to achieve net-zero emissions for the sector by 2050. We will continue to work with like-minded partners such as the Coastal Sustainability Alliance on the design and development of green solutions for the domestic maritime craft sector.”

The new alliance members will help the CSA accelerate its multi-stakeholder efforts across its five strategic areas:

1. PXO e-tug and e-supply vessel design, build, and deployment

The electric tug (e-tug) and electric supply (e-supply) vessels are the first in CSA’s PXO series of electric boats and floating platforms designed for the coastal waters of Singapore. The zero-emissions e-supply and e-tug are among the world’s first electric coastal vessels and one of the first and largest local electric supply boats designed for operation in Singapore’s coastal waters. In addition, the Singapore-designed PXO e-vessels adopt several innovative technologies, such as wireless charging, advanced manufacturing, and coastal twinning, all contributing to the forefront of maritime decarbonization efforts.

The PXO vessels will also be future-ready for alternative fuels with a Zero Carbon Fuel Ready configuration, which will prevent stranded assets due to advances in technology. In a step toward green shipping, commercialization of the PXO vessels is underway with the recent announcement that CSA has secured from Ken Energy an intent to purchase PXO e-supply vessels to tap into new growth opportunities. The e-supply vessels are expected to be delivered by 2025.

2. Promoting sustainable resource management through e-waste reduction, upcycling, and alternative biofuels

In partnership with Green COP, the CSA is developing and commercializing sustainable second-generation biofuels as a transition fuel for conventional harbor crafts to cut emissions. This effort forms a part of CSA’s approach towards vessel electrification and sustainability, further complemented by the upcycling of EV batteries into battery packs for marine use, effectively reducing e-waste.

3. Reduce marine traffic by 20% through logistics and fleet optimization solutions

A select group of CSA members – Jurong Port, ST Engineering, M1, MagicPort, Ampotech, and PaxOcean – are collaboratively spearheading the development of a coastal logistics operation platform, designed to seamlessly integrate various facets of maritime decarbonization. This platform will harmoniously merge logistics, fleet operations, battery performance management, and just-in-time operations, catering to the diverse needs of vessels, terminals, and service providers.

Through this platform, the CSA aims to reduce Singapore’s coastal marine traffic by 20% and improve safety. It will achieve this through fleet optimization and renewal, mobile floating platforms in selected locations in coastal waters off Singapore, sea and aerial drones, and autonomous vessels for last-mile deliveries. These advancements will not only extend the operational range but also minimize downtime, all contributing to the broader initiative of decarbonization in shipping.

4. Support the growth of SMEs and start-ups through a sustainable green supply chain and maritime business ecosystem

The growing number of SMEs and start-ups in the CSA attests to its ambition to create a sustainable maritime supply chain, provide business opportunities to strengthen the competitiveness of SMEs, and uplift the entire value chain of the marine industry. The CSA expects 70% of PXO vessel components to be sourced from local SMEs.

5. Talent attraction and workforce upgrading

Grooming a future-ready talent pool is critical to Singapore’s position as a global maritime center. With the Singapore Institute of Technology as a new member, the CSA will accelerate its efforts in talent development and workforce upgrading programs for sea and shore staff in areas such as autonomous capabilities and coastal logistics optimization. In addition, the CSA will facilitate skills-building programs for technical staff in product development activities, technology transfers, and alternative fuels.

The new 11 members will join CSA pioneers A*STAR, GenPlus, Jurong Port, Sea Forrest Power Solutions, Technology Centre for Offshore and Marine Singapore (TCOMS), and TES in their collective pursuit of maritime decarbonization. The CSA is expected to invest over S$20 million into various sustainability efforts over the next decade, all with the overarching goal of achieving a 50% reduction in vessel carbon emissions and a substantial 20% decrease in marine traffic by the year 2030.

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Photo credit: Coastal Sustainability Alliance. MoU signing ceremony.

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