Yinson GreenTech Completes Construction of the Hydroglyder Prototype
- The all-electric prototype, built entirely in Malaysia, combines advanced hydrofoil technology with electric propulsion.
- The Hydroglyder will now embark on its journey to Singapore, where it will undergo sea trials for its intended purpose to transform the crew transfer vessel services in Singapore harbour craft market.
Yinson GreenTech (“YGT”), through its marinEV brand, has completed the construction of its all-electric crew transfer vessel, the Hydroglyder. The vessel is to provide the crew transfer services within the Singapore harbour craft segment that is fully built and integrated in Malaysia.
Present to witness the completion of the Hydroglyder prototype at the Ctruk Boats shipyard were Malaysia’s Minister of Transport YB Loke Siew Fook, Yinson Group Chief Executive Officer Mr Lim Chern Yuan and YGT Chief Executive Officer Mr Eirik Barclay. Malacca state government representatives and strategic partners including OCBC Malaysia, represented by Head of Wholesale Banking Mr Jeffrey Teoh, along with the media were also present to witness this milestone.
The Hydroglyder is equipped with advanced hydrofoil system, which provides better energy efficiency as compared to traditional electric vessels of the similar size. The onboard batteries provide power to propel the vessel while the flight control system maintains the stability of the craft during foiling. This is expected to reduce operational cost by up to 90%.
YB Loke Siew Fook said, “I am proud that Malaysia was selected for the Hydroglyder prototype’s assembly and construction, demonstrating the country’s ability to deliver world-class, technologically advanced engineering projects. This aligns well with the National Transport Policy that aims to enhance Malaysia’s economic competitiveness by developing a skilled workforce, fostering a conducive business environment, and facilitating trade and investment.”
Mr Lim Chern Yuan commented, “The Hydroglyder prototype will be a game changer and is a prime example of our commitment to transform the maritime industry. I would like to express our appreciation for the Malaysian government’s forward-thinking policies that have provided a progressive and stable environment for innovation, which is particularly instrumental in developing prototype green technologies.”
Mr Eirik Barclay said, “The Hydroglyder prototype is a major milestone in our quest to reduce the maritime industry’s carbon footprint, reduce local particulate air pollution and prepare for the launch of a fleet of technology enhanced, zero-emission vessels. Collaboration with like-minded partners has been crucial to the successful completion of this prototype. Special mention to Ctruk Boats, whose expertise in composite material technology allowed us the full flexibility to modify the vessel’s design as needed during the construction process. We also hope that the project has contributed to the nurturing of local talent and industrial capabilities.”
Mr Jeffrey Teoh remarked, “OCBC is proud to support this project, the first electric prototype vessel of its kind to be built in Malaysia and one which has the potential to revolutionise the maritime industry. As a partner that supported the development of this innovative foiling crew transfer vessel, the Hydroglyder prototype, we wish marinEV all the very best in continuing its sea trials and commercialisation process in Singapore.”
The vessel will debut in Singapore to start its sea trials and aims to contribute to the achievement of the country’s decarbonisation goals. The Hydroglyder will be the first vessel of its kind within the Singapore harbour craft market, providing a more efficient and environmentally-friendly alternative to current crew transfer vessels.
Recently, the Hydroglyder won the ‘Most Promising Maritime Technology Award’ at the recent Singapore Norway Innovation Conference) in recognition of the vessel’s cutting-edge technology.