Singapore introduces new standard for electric harbour craft charging infrastructure

The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) and Enterprise Singapore (EnterpriseSG), through the Singapore Standards Council (SSC), have published Technical Reference (TR) 136 to guide the development of charging infrastructure and battery swap systems for electric harbour craft in line with the Singapore Government's efforts to decarbonise the domestic maritime sector.

TR 136 establishes the safety requirements for electric harbour craft charging infrastructure and battery swap systems. It includes measures to protect personnel and property from electrical and mechanical hazards during the installation and operation of the charging systems.

The TR also establishes the technical requirements to promote interoperability.

TR 136 incorporates widely adopted industry standards on electric vehicle charging systems, such as the combined charging system. It is also aligned with local electricity supply conditions and codes such as the TR 25 Electric Vehicles Charging System, as well as international standards including the IEC 61851 on electric vehicle charging system and IEC 62840 on electric vehicle battery swap system.

Alignment with industry standards will ensure that service providers can readily adopt the standard.

The MPA said adopting TR 136 will strengthen users' confidence in electric harbour craft charging and battery swap system providers, while giving ship owners, port operators, and charger operators greater assurance in the safe operation of such craft.

The MPA expects adoption of the TR to have positive spillover effects with new business opportunities in areas such as charging systems and battery technologies, and upskilling prospects for the maritime workforce.