Yinson GreenTech (YGT), through its marine electrification business marinEV, has signed a memorandum of understanding with Langkawi Port Sdn Bhd (LPSB) to develop a proposed fully electric passenger ferry service between Langkawi and Kuala Perlis.
The collaboration establishes a framework for the Langkawi Electric Ferry Project, which is intended to become Malaysia’s first commercial, open-sea, point-to-point fully electric passenger ferry service.
Under the proposed arrangement, purpose-built electric ferries will operate between Kuah, Langkawi and Kuala Perlis, supported by shore-based charging infrastructure and integrated marine technologies.
YGT will provide the vessels under a charter arrangement, while LPSB will operate the service. Tenaga Nasional Bhd (TNB) will be responsible for developing the required power and charging infrastructure.
The parties will also work with government agencies, infrastructure providers and other stakeholders to address the technical, operational, regulatory and commercial requirements before implementation.
The project has been designated a National Priority Project and is supported by government and industry stakeholders including the Ministry of Transport, Ministry of Finance and Marine Department of Malaysia.
The vessels will be based on marinEV’s Hydroferry platform and incorporate electric propulsion, onboard energy storage, integrated digital systems as well as autonomous and remote-operation capabilities developed by Zeabuz.
marinEV managing director Jan-Viggo Johansen said the initiative would apply experience gained from developing and operating electric vessels in Singapore to passenger transportation in Malaysia.
