Harbour craft operators to be given grants of up to $250k for switching to electric vessels

The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore has announced a grant scheme offering up to $250,000 to electric harbour craft operators, aiming to encourage early adoption of greener vessels. The two-year scheme, set to commence in January 2027, will provide three payments based on the vessel's battery capacity, with smaller boats eligible for up to $150,000 and larger vessels for the maximum amount.

The harbour craft sector, consisting of more than 1,600 diesel-powered vessels, is expected to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, necessitating an expedited transition. From 2030, all new harbour craft operating in Singapore's waters must be fully electric, use B100 biofuel, or be compatible with net-zero fuels like hydrogen. The funding will be split into three payments, determined by the vessel's battery capacity in kilowatt-hours.

MPA's chief executive, Ang Wee Keong, emphasized that the bunkering standards and capabilities must evolve to support the transition towards alternative fuels, with ammonia bunkering trials already underway at ports in Singapore and Western Australia.