CSA advances to build next-generation logistics ecosystem

The Coastal Sustainability Alliance (CSA), an industry collaborative effort led by Kuok Maritime, has formalised the addition of 11 new members at Singapore Maritime Week 2023’s MarineTech Conference, graced by Guest of Honour Mr Chee Hong Tat, Senior Minister of State, Ministry of Finance & Ministry of Transport. The contributions from the new members will accelerate CSA’s efforts to electrify, digitalise and decarbonise Singapore’s coastal vessels, strengthen marine supply chains and build Singapore’s next-generation maritime ecosystem.

The new CSA members include Ampotech, Columbia Ship Management Singapore, Green COP, Ken Energy, RMS Marine & Offshore Service, M1, MagicPort, Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT), Sinwa Singapore, ST Engineering, and Swift Total Logistics. This brings the CSA to 18 members since its formation in March 2022.

Collectively, CSA’s strategies actively contribute to the goals set out by the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. The Alliance is also working closely with the MPA to comply with regulatory requirements and infrastructure standards to ensure compatibility and support a collaborative maritime culture and ecosystem.

Mr Tan Thai Yong, Chief Executive Officer, PaxOcean and Chairperson, CSA Council, said: “We are excited to mark the Coastal Sustainability Alliance’s first anniversary with the addition of 11 new members and to advance our efforts to electrify and build Singapore’s next-generation coastal ecosystem conclusively. In this one year, we have reached a significant milestone in the commercialisation of our PXO electric supply vessel, which will be the first and largest local design-build-and-deployed boats to be in operation in Singapore. Such achievements are only possible through the united efforts of our current and new CSA members and with the strong support of the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore, Enterprise Singapore, and Workforce Singapore.”

Mr Teo Eng Dih, Chief Executive, Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore, said: “Maritime decarbonisation requires the collective efforts of the entire value chain. It is heartening to know that 11 new members have joined the Coastal Sustainability Alliance on the journey to achieve net-zero emissions for the sector by 2050. We will continue to work with like-minded partners such as the Coastal Sustainability Alliance on the design and development of green solutions for the domestic maritime craft sector.”

The new alliance members will help the CSA accelerate its multi-stakeholder efforts across its five strategic areas:

PXO e-tug and e-supply vessel design, build and deployment– The electric tug (e-tug) and electric supply (e-supply) vessels are the first in CSA’s PXO series of electric boats and floating platforms designed for the coastal waters of Singapore. The zero-emissions e-supply and e-tug are among the world’s first electric coastal vessels and one of the first and largest local electric supply boats designed for operation in Singapore’s coastal waters. In addition, the Singapore-designed PXO e-vessels adopt several innovative technologies, such as wireless charging, advanced manufacturing, and coastal twinning.

The PXO vessels will also be future-ready for alternative fuels with a Zero Carbon Fuel Ready configuration, which will prevent stranded assets due to advances in technology. Commercialisation of the PXO vessels is underway with the recent announcement that CSA has secured from Ken Energy an intent to purchase PXO e-supply vessels to tap into new growth opportunities. The e-supply vessels are expected to be delivered by 2025.

Promoting sustainable resource management through e-waste reduction, upcycling and alternative biofuels – In partnership with Green COP, the CSA is developing and commercialising sustainable second-generation biofuels as a transition fuel for conventional harbour crafts to cut emissions. This effort forms a part of CSA’s approach towards vessel electrification and sustainability, further complemented by the upcycling of EV batteries into battery packs for marine use, effectively reducing e-waste.

Reduce marine traffic by 20% through logistics and fleet optimisation solutions – A select group of CSA members – Jurong Port, ST Engineering, M1, MagicPort, Ampotech and PaxOcean, are co-developing a coastal logistics operation platform which will seamlessly integrate logistics, fleet operations, battery performance management and just-in-time operations to meet the needs of vessels, terminals and service providers. Through this platform, the CSA aims to reduce Singapore’s coastal marine traffic by 20% and improve safety. It will achieve this through fleet optimisation and renewal, mobile floating platforms in selected locations in coastal waters off Singapore, sea and aerial drones, and autonomous vessels for last-mile deliveries to improve operational range and reduce downtime.

Support the growth of SMEs and start-ups through a sustainable green supply chain and maritime business ecosystem – The growing number of SMEs and start-ups in the CSA attests to its ambition to create a sustainable maritime supply chain, provide business opportunities to strengthen the competitiveness of SMEs and uplift the entire value chain of the marine industry. The CSA expects 70% of PXO vessel components to be sourced from local SMEs.

Talent attraction and workforce upgrading – Grooming a future-ready talent pool is critical to Singapore’s position as a global maritime centre. With the Singapore Institute of Technology as a new member, the CSA will accelerate its efforts in talent development and workforce upgrading programmes for sea and shore staff in areas such as autonomous capabilities and coastal logistics optimisation. In addition, the CSA will facilitate skills-building programmes for technical staff in product development activities, technology transfers, and alternative fuels.

The new 11 members will join CSA pioneers A*STAR, GenPlus, Jurong Port, Sea Forrest Power Solutions, Technology Centre for Offshore and Marine Singapore (TCOMS) and TES. The CSA is expected to invest over S$20 million into various sustainability efforts over the next ten years with the aim of a 50% reduction in vessel carbon emissions and 20% in marine traffic by 2030.

The CSA was launched in March 2022 by Kuok Maritime, comprising PaxOcean Holdings Pte Ltd, Pacific Carriers Limited (PCL) and POSH (PACC Offshore Services Holdings). KSL’s Centre of Excellence Engineering R&D anchors the CSA initiatives, providing a comprehensive platform for the CSA to build the next-generation of Singapore’s maritime ecosystem and accelerate the decarbonisation, electrification and advancement in energy-efficient logistics and engineering solutions.

Looking into its second year, Mr Tan added, “With our multi-stakeholder approach, the CSA remains at the forefront of Singapore’s decarbonisation efforts in the maritime sector. Our coherent and systematic strategy provides our members with the assurance of a strong and progressive pathway which meets both business and environmental demands. We welcome interested parties to join us on this journey to create a more sustainable maritime industry.