What the MD of marinEV thinks will change shipping for good — and why it matters

“When I think about my journey in the shipping and logistics industry, my mind often drifts back to my early days in the 2000s. As a young apprentice on a Very Large Crude Carrier (VLCC) transporting oil from the Persian Gulf, I learned lessons that would stay with me forever. I can still recall my first ship in Fujairah, UAE. Climbing aboard the small diesel launch boat, I felt the engine rumble beneath me and the smell of exhaust in the air. That moment, seasick and nervous, was when I realised how essential efficiency would be in my career.

Fast-forward to today, and the global shipping industry is grappling with complex challenges. Supply chain disruptions, geopolitical tensions, and ever-tougher environmental regulations make it a demanding landscape. The pressure to deliver faster while staying efficient and sustainable has never been more intense.

At Yinson GreenTech, we’ve embraced these challenges by creating fully electric, zero-emission launch boats. From the moment you step aboard, the difference is striking. There’s no engine noise or fumes, just a cleaner, quieter environment for the crew and passengers. This creates a better workplace and improves operational efficiency without compromising sustainability.

One of the proudest moments in my career came with the launch of the Hydromover, Singapore’s first fully electric cargo vessel. This lightweight catamaran, which boasts swappable battery solutions and the ability to carry up to 25 tonnes, represents a huge leap forward in maritime innovation. In May 2024, it became the first fully electric vessel to perform a crew transfer within the Port of Singapore, and soon after, it completed its first cargo transfer.

Building on the success of the Hydromover, we also developed the Hydroglyder — a fully electric crew transfer vessel equipped with hydrofoil technology. The hydrofoils significantly reduce drag by lifting the hull above the water, boosting energy efficiency. Every part of this vessel, from its lightweight materials to power-saving systems, is designed with sustainability and performance.

But our innovation doesn’t stop at the vessels themselves. To enhance operations, we’ve invested heavily in digital solutions, including artificial intelligence and machine learning. One example is our “watchkeeper's companion” — a cutting-edge suite of sensors and algorithms that help monitor the ship’s surroundings and provide essential navigational information. This technology improves safety and makes our operations more intelligent and efficient, reducing the need for large onboard crews.

On sustainability

I recognise that collaboration is vital to our success. Through the Goal Zero Consortium, we’ve partnered with industry players, research institutions, and government agencies to accelerate the adoption of zero-emission technologies. The maritime sector’s challenges are too significant for any organisation to tackle alone, and we are proud to work together to position Singapore as a leader in sustainable shipping.

Still, one prominent misconception is that shipping inherently damages the environment and that improvement is slow or impossible. While it’s true that traditional shipping methods have contributed to pollution, things are changing rapidly. Zero-emission vessels, cleaner fuels, and energy-efficient designs are becoming more common.

For instance, our Hydromover can save around one metric ton of CO2 emissions for every 20 nautical miles travelled compared to conventional vessels.

This shift towards sustainability aligns with global efforts to decarbonise the maritime industry. The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has set ambitious targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 40 per cent by 2030, with net-zero emissions by 2050.

The Maritime and Port Authority (MPA) has embraced these goals in Singapore, setting its sights on achieving net-zero emissions for port operations by 2050. At Yinson GreenTech, our fully electric vessels are key to helping shipowners reduce their Scope 3 emissions, which account for indirect emissions along a company’s entire value chain.

A revolution conclusion

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As we look to the future, I’m excited about the trends in energy transition and decarbonisation. These are complex challenges that require industry-wide collaboration. At Yinson GreenTech, we’ve taken the lead in decarbonising Singapore’s port, and the support we’ve received from regulators, shipowners, operators, and financiers has been hugely encouraging. Together, we are working to make Singapore the greenest port in the world.

Beyond technology, the talent we attract at Yinson GreenTech drives our innovation. Young professionals, engineers, and innovators are critical to our future. Their fresh perspectives and enthusiasm for tackling environmental challenges inspire me every day. To nurture this talent, we’ve created a workplace culture that values inclusivity, open communication, and constant learning. Through collaborations with educational institutions, we’re ensuring a strong talent pipeline for the industry.

Today, I’m happy to report that the shipping and logistics industry is on the verge of a revolution. The push towards sustainability is reshaping everything from how we design vessels to how we operate them. At Yinson GreenTech, we’re proud to be at the forefront of this transformation, driving forward with ambition and purpose. The future of shipping is electric, efficient, and sustainable — and we’re just getting started.”