AUSTRALIA’S Incat Crowther has been commissioned to design a cargo transfer vessel that will transport stores, food and maintenance items to ships anchored in the Singapore Strait.
The all-electric Hydromover 2.0 will be designed for Singapore’s marinEV, a Yinson GreenTech business with a line of zero-emission electric vessels.
The 24-metre vessel will be powered by a lithium-ion battery system and designed to carry a payload of 25 tonnes via a 65-metre cargo deck.
The roll-out and uptake of electric harbour craft in Singapore is driven by the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore, which has set 2030 as the deadline for all new harbour craft operating in the Port of Singapore being either fully electric or operating on lower carbon fuels. Earlier this year MPA launched its first trial of an electric harbour-craft charging point.
Incat Crowther said Hydromover 2.0 would contribute to these efforts.
The company said the vessel’s hull form would maximise the vessel’s operational range and ensure smooth navigation in rough seas.
Design plans include accommodation for up to four crewmembers and a wheelhouse with dual touchscreen displays that will provide real-time updates to the crew.
Hydromover 2.0 would also have decision-making features such as energy optimisation, waypoint calculation, collision detection and the ability to coordinate remote and autonomous functions.
“This collaboration with Incat Crowther marks a significant step forward in sustainable shipping in Singapore,” marinEV managing director Jan-Viggo Johansen said.
“Hydromover 2.0 builds on the success of Hydromover 1.0 which has recently completed successful commercial trials.
“We’re looking forward to Hydromover 2.0 joining our fleet in 2025 as we continue to accelerate the industry’s transition to net zero.”
Incat Crowther technical manager Sam Mackay said the new vessel would exemplify “the power of combining expertise and technology to deliver outstanding operational performance, safety and efficiency”.
“As Hydromover 2.0 progresses toward sea trials in 2025, Incat Crowther is pleased to be partnering with marinEV to help bring their commitment to transforming maritime transport with innovative, sustainable solutions to life,” he said.
The final stages of designing Hydromover 2.0 are now underway with the selection and evaluation of key equipment in progress.
Incat Crowther anticipates Hydromover 2.0 will be classed by Bureau Veritas with the Battery System notation.
The company’s project scope also covers design assessment for the battery system functionality and safety features, including fire protection and system certification.
