Singapore Launches First Fully Electric Tugboat, Advancing Maritime Sustainability Goals
Batam/Singapore, 7 July 2025 – Singapore has taken a major step towards cleaner marine operations with the launch of its first fully electric tugboat (E-Tug). Developed under the leadership of the Coastal Sustainability Alliance (CSA) – a collaborative industry effort led by Kuok Maritime Group (KMG) – the E-Tug represents a key milestone in the country’s maritime decarbonisation journey.
Designed and assembled locally, the zero-emission tug is expected to begin service in Singapore waters in early 2026. This marks a significant move toward meeting Singapore’s goal of having all new harbour craft be fully electric or powered by net-zero fuels by 2030, as outlined in the Maritime Singapore Decarbonisation Blueprint by the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA).
The E-Tug is built for performance, featuring a 50-ton bollard pull and powered by a robust 3 MWh lithium-titanium-oxide (LTO) battery system. It is also future-ready, with the ability to transition to green fuels like methanol and ammonia when these become commercially viable. Digital technology is embedded into the tug’s operations, including a high-fidelity digital twin that enables real-time performance monitoring and better operational efficiency.
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“This launch highlights how collaboration across industry and government can lead to real change,” said Mr Tan Thai Yong, Managing Director and CEO of PaxOcean Group, part of KMG. “We are not just meeting emission goals—we’re rethinking how port and coastal operations can be more sustainable.”
The E-Tug is more than just a vessel; it is part of a broader plan to build a cleaner, smarter maritime ecosystem. The CSA is working closely with partners across the coastal logistics chain to enhance charging infrastructure, sea-to-shore connectivity, and workforce readiness to operate electric marine vessels.
As Singapore shifts toward more energy-efficient and environmentally responsible marine transport, this launch sets the tone for future developments in green coastal logistics.
About Kuok Maritime Group (KMG)
Kuok Maritime Group (KMG) is a global maritime solutions provider and includes subsidiaries such as PaxOcean Group, Pacific Carriers Limited (PCL), PACC Offshore Services Holdings (POSH), Pacific Workboats Pte Ltd, McPEC Marine & Offshore Engineering, and KSL Maritime Ventures. KMG offers services across the maritime value chain—ranging from newbuild and towage services to EPCC solutions and support for marine technology start-ups. KMG also leads the Coastal Sustainability Alliance in Singapore, a platform dedicated to building a next-generation sustainable maritime ecosystem.
About PaxOcean Group
Part of Kuok Maritime Group and the wider Kuok Group Singapore, PaxOcean operates shipyards in Singapore, China, and Indonesia. Established in 2007, PaxOcean provides integrated maritime solutions including newbuilding, green recycling, module fabrication, and the repair and conversion of energy assets—both conventional and renewable.
