Keel laid for Singapore's first locally built all-electric tug

The keel of the first fully electric tug to be assembled, delivered, and operated in Singapore, was laid down in a ceremony early this week.

"This milestone marks the beginning of construction for a vessel poised to redefine harbour towage in Singapore with its zero-emission capabilities," said builder PaxOcean.

"Supported under the Maritime and Port Authority Maritime Innovation and Technology Fund, the 50-tonnes bollard pull electric tug will incorporate advanced technologies for propulsion, energy storage, and battery management systems."

The tug will be future fuel-ready for zero-carbon fuels, supporting the local maritime industry’s multi-fuel transition towards decarbonisation and ensuring adaptability to "net-zero fuel" throughout an extended service life.

The Coastal Sustainability Alliance (CSA) said the construction of the electric tug is slated to be completed in Q1 2026.

"This milestone marks the beginning of construction for a vessel poised to redefine harbour towage in Singapore with its zero-emission capabilities."