The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) has announced the Early Adopter Scheme for Electric Harbour Craft (EASE), set to commence on 1 January 2027. This initiative is designed to accelerate the adoption of electric harbour craft (e-HC) and support the development of a competitive ecosystem for these vessels. The grant aims to stimulate early market demand, encouraging manufacturers and technology providers to invest in production and expand capacity.
Singapore’s harbour craft sector, consisting of over 1,600 primarily diesel-powered vessels, is a key component of the nation’s marine services. In alignment with Singapore’s climate targets, the sector is expected to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. From 2030, all new harbour craft in Singapore must be fully electric, capable of using B100 biofuel, or compatible with net-zero fuels.
The EASE grant, valid for two years, will provide financial support for part of the battery system cost of eligible e-HC. The grant amount will be determined by battery capacity and capped based on vessel size, with a maximum of $250,000 per vessel. To facilitate the transition, MPA will also expand charging infrastructure, with new chargers planned for key locations such as Jurong Port and West Coast Pier by 2027.
MPA is also exploring flexible charging solutions and additional regulatory measures to further decarbonise the sector. As the market matures, these efforts are expected to enhance the operational resilience of e-HC and drive the transition away from fossil fuels.
