Kuok Maritime Group (KMG), through the Coastal Sustainability Alliance (CSA) – a KMG-led industry collaborative effort –recently launched of Singapore’s first fully electric tug (e-tug).
Designed and assembled in Singapore by KMG company PaxOcean, the zero-emission e-tug is set to begin operations in local waters in the first quarter of 2026. This is considered a major step forward in the adoption of electric vessels, alongside progress in public charging infrastructure, sea-to-shore connectivity, and workforce capability-building to operate new marine assets.
The launch is said to be a critical enabler of the Maritime Singapore Decarbonisation Blueprint developed by the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA). It supports the Singapore Government’s directive for all new harbour craft to be fully electric or compatible with net-zero fuels by 2030, paving the way for a sustainable coastal logistics network.
Tan Thai Yong, MD and CEO, PaxOcean Group, said: “This launch is a testament to CSA’s robust industry collaboration and partnership with MPA. Together, we are laying the groundwork for maritime innovation, low-carbon solutions, and a refresh of how port activities can become sustainable. The CSA’s e-tug demonstrates how decarbonisation can deliver both environmental impact and real operational value to the maritime industry.”
With a 50t bollard pull and powered by a 3MWh lithium-titanium-oxide (LTO) battery system, the e-tug is engineered for demanding towage operations while eliminating emissions at the point of use. It is also future-fuel ready, with design provisions to support green methanol and ammonia integration when commercially viable. Built with digital innovation at its core, the vessel features a high-fidelity digital twin for real-time data analytics, improving operational efficiency and reducing dead mileage.
The launch underscores the CSA’s commitment to promoting electric harbour craft as Singapore’s infrastructure, workforce, and supply chains evolve to support cleaner, more resilient maritime operations. As a collaborative platform, CSA actively brings together coastal stakeholders and ecosystem partners to drive energy-efficient logistics and sustainable engineering innovations – laying the foundation for a smarter, greener maritime future.
Image: Singapore’s first all-electric tug (source: PaxOcean Shipyard)
