Singapore Builds Electric Ferries, Sees Demand Abroad

Pyxis, a Singaporean startup, builds electric ferries operating on the Singapore River since 2025. The company reports roughly doubled demand for its electric vessels over the last two to three years.

Interest now comes from markets in Japan and Indonesia, driven by tightening emissions rules and competitive costs. Yinson GreenTech, headquartered in Malaysia, also sees strong demand, securing contracts in the United Arab Emirates as pilot projects become commercial deployments.

However, electric vessels currently comprise only a small fraction of Singapore’s 1,600 harbor craft. Operators are hesitant due to concerns about costs, infrastructure, and operational challenges. Building sufficient charging points and training crews remain key hurdles to wider adoption.

From 2030, all new harbor craft in Singapore must be fully electric or use alternative fuels. Researchers at the Singapore Institute of Technology note that efficient electrification depends on a holistic approach—considering vessel design, charging locations, and optimized routes—and battery capacity limits range. Work continues to integrate these factors and accelerate adoption.