The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) and Enterprise Singapore
(EnterpriseSG), through the Singapore Standards Council (SSC), have published Technical
Reference (TR) 136 to guide the development of charging infrastructure and battery swap
systems for electric harbor craft (e-HC). This initiative supports Singapore’s efforts to
decarbonize the domestic maritime sector.
TR 136 establishes the safety requirements for the e-HC charging infrastructure and battery swap systems. It includes measures to protect personnel and property from electrical and mechanical hazards during the installation and operation of the charging systems. The TR also establishes the technical requirements to promote interoperability.
TR 136 incorporates widely adopted industry standards on electric vehicle charging systems, such as the Combined Charging System. It is also aligned with local electricity supply conditions and codes such as the TR 25 Electric Vehicles Charging System, as well as international standards including the IEC 61851 on electric vehicle charging system and IEC 62840 on electric vehicle battery swap system. This ensures that service providers can readily adopt the standard.
Adopting TR 136 will strengthen users’ confidence in e-HC charging and battery swap system providers, while giving ship owners, port operators, and charger operators greater assurance in the safe operation of e-HCs. The adoption of the TR is expected to have positive spillover effects with new business opportunities in areas such as charging systems and battery technologies, and upskilling prospects for the maritime workforce.
TR 136 was developed by the Working Group (WG) on Electric Harbor Crafts Charging System, which was appointed by the Electrical and Electronic Standards Committee (EESC) under the purview of the SSC. This WG comprises government and industry stakeholders such as MPA, charging equipment and battery suppliers, e-HC manufacturers and operators, testing, inspection and certification organizations, academic experts, and institutes of higher learning.
Teo Eng Dih, Chief Executive, MPA, said: “TR 136 is a critical step towards developing a safe, robust, and interoperable charging infrastructure for electric harbor craft in Singapore. By setting clear safety and operational guidelines, the new standard will give industry players greater confidence in electrification and pave the way for wider e-HC adoption.”
Choy Sauw Kook, Director-General (Quality & Excellence), EnterpriseSG, said: “Standards have always played an important role in enabling pathfinders to drive industry development. By providing local operators with clear guidelines on how to adopt electric charging infrastructure in a safe and reliable manner, the TR 136 will accelerate the electrification of harbor craft and, in turn, the decarbonization of the maritime sector in Singapore.
“Enterprise Singapore will continue to work closely with MPA and various industry partners, to develop standards that advance the interests of the maritime industry.”
Photo credit: iStock/ PrathanChorruangsak
