Singapore recently received its first hybrid powered ship, a 15-metre, 12-pax aluminium pilot boat named as “Penguin Tenaga”.
In fact, the vessel is developed, owned and operated by Penguin, while is certified by Bureau Veritas with a “ZE” (zero emission) class notation and is capable of running in pure electric mode at 5 knots for more than 30 minutes.
What is more, in conventional diesel mode, the vessel can reach a maximum speed of 24 knots.
As explained, the solar panels that are installed on the roof the vessel, generate electrical energy that is used to recharge mobile devices on board and supplement its “hotel load”.
“Penguin Tenaga” will shortly be deployed to Pulau Bukom to join Penguin’s fleet of workboats that are supporting Shell’s oil refinery and petrochemicals hub.
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For the record, the on-board electric-hybrid propulsion system was supplied by Sea Forrest Power Solutions Pte Ltd, a subsidiary of BH Global Corporation Limited.
The operation of “Penguin Tenaga” is similar to driving a regular hybrid car: At higher speeds, the diesel engine charges the batteries, while at lower speeds, the energy stored in the batteries powers the propulsion. In the process, fuel consumption, emissions and noise are reduced.
…as the company said.
Currently, there are limited applications for pure electric vessels in Singapore due to the lack of charging infrastructure. However, that could change in coming years as the country electrifies its maritime eco-system.
