Japanese shipowner Mitsui OSK Lines (MOL) and Pyxis Maritime, a Singaporean maritime electrification technology start-up, are going to work together.
The pair have signed a memorandum of understanding to develop the electric vessels markets in Singapore and Japan.
“We believe this memorandum will be an important step for both companies to make a significant change in the shipping industry. Promoting the introduction of EV vessels to solve environmental issues will be one way,” said Nobuo Shiotsu, senior managing executive officer at MOL.
Pyxis iwas created last year. It is supported by coastal vessel owners and government agencies in Singapore, a state that has committed to the early introduction of electric vessels.
The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) has mandated that by 2030, all new harbour craft in Singapore waters have to operate on low-carbon energy solutions and reduce emissions by 15 per cent from 2021 levels. By 2050, all harbour craft must be fully-electric or running on net zero fuels.