Yinson plans Malaysia's first electric ferry linking Langkawi, Kuala Perlis

KUALA LUMPUR – Yinson GreenTech, via its marine electrification subsidiary marinEV, has entered into a non-binding agreement with Langkawi Port Sdn Bhd to develop Malaysia's inaugural commercial, electric-powered, point-to-point ferry service. This Langkawi electric ferry project aims to create a direct connection between Kuah, Langkawi and Kuala Perlis using specially designed electric ferries.

In support of this venture, shore-based charging infrastructure and cutting-edge marine technologies will be employed. Yinson GreenTech will supply the ferries under a charter agreement, while Langkawi Port will manage the service, while Tenaga Nasional Bhd (TNB) will focus on developing the power and charging infrastructure. The three entities will collaborate closely with relevant government bodies, infrastructure providers, and other stakeholders to address technical, operational, regulatory, and commercial aspects of the project.

Designated as a national priority project, the initiative is backed by the Transport Ministry, Finance Ministry, and Marine Department. The envisioned ferries will be based on marinEV's Hydroferry platform, incorporating electric propulsion, onboard energy storage, integrated digital technologies, and autonomous and remote-operation capabilities developed by Zeabuz.

This service aims to supplement existing connectivity between Langkawi and the Malaysian mainland while demonstrating a viable commercial model for electric vessels, shore charging, and digital technologies in passenger transport. Additionally, the project aligns with Malaysia's energy transition and maritime decarbonisation objectives.

The National Energy Transition Roadmap has highlighted marine transport as a sector for decarbonisation, targeting a 40% share of green fuel in the industry by 2050. For marinEV, the Hydroferry initiative broadens its electric vessel portfolio into the passenger transport segment, following the successful development of the Hydromover cargo vessel and Hydroglyder crew-transfer platform.

The Hydromover has progressed from technology development and trials to commercial operations in Singapore. Muhd Nasir Abdul Aziz, general manager of Langkawi Port, expressed the port operator's satisfaction in supporting this project as the designated operator of the electric passenger ferry service. By introducing cleaner and more reliable maritime connectivity to the Langkawi-Kuala Perlis route, this collaboration benefits local communities, tourism, and Malaysia's overall maritime electrification agenda.

Jan-Viggo Johansen, managing director of marinEV, emphasized that the project will apply the company's experience in operating electric vessels in Singapore to passenger transport in Malaysia. With a focus on developing practical and scalable solutions, the collaboration aims to provide vital operational insights for the wider adoption of electric maritime transport.