KUALA LUMPUR: Yinson
GreenTech (YGT), through its marine electrification business marinEV, has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Langkawi Port Sdn Bhd (LPSB) to establish a framework for collaboration on the Langkawi Electric Ferry Project.
The collaboration paves the way for Malaysia’s first commercial, open-sea, point-to-point, fully electric passenger ferry service, the company said in a statement today.
The project aims to deploy purpose-built, fully electric passenger ferries operating between Kuah, Langkawi, and Kuala Perlis, supported by shore-based charging infrastructure and integrated marine technologies.
"The collaboration will see YGT providing the vessels under a charter arrangement, LPSB operating the service, and Tenaga Nasional Bhd developing the power and charging infrastructure,” YGT said.
Based on marinEV’s Hydroferry platform, developed for fully electric passenger transport, the vessels will incorporate electric propulsion, onboard energy storage, marinEV’s integrated digital technologies and autonomous and remote-operation capabilities developed by Zeabuz.
YGT said the proposed ferry service will complement existing connectivity between Langkawi and mainland Malaysia while demonstrating how vessel electrification, shore charging and digital technologies can be integrated into day-to-day passenger transport operations.
MarinEV managing director Jan-Viggo Johansen said this collaboration applies the experience it gained from developing and operating electric vessels in Singapore to passenger transportation in Malaysia.
"Working alongside LPSB and other stakeholders, our focus will be on developing a practical and scalable solution that can provide valuable operational experience for the wider adoption of electric maritime transport,” he said.
Meanwhile, LPSB general manager Muhd Nasir Abdul Aziz said LPSB is pleased to support this landmark project as the intended operator of the country’s first electric passenger vessel service.
"By bringing cleaner and more reliable maritime connectivity to the Langkawi-Kuala Perlis route, this collaboration supports local communities, tourism and Malaysia’s broader maritime electrification agenda,” he said. - Bernama
