Yinson GreenTech plans electric ferry service between Langkawi and Kuala Perlis
The proposed service would run six trips a day. Fares have not been announced, but are expected to carry a premium.
Yinson GreenTech’s maritime division, marinEV, has signed a memorandum of understanding with Langkawi Port Sdn Bhd to develop what is described as Malaysia’s first commercial fully electric passenger ferry service. The proposed route would connect Kuah, Langkawi with Kuala Perlis, alongside existing conventional ferries.
According to NST, Yinson GreenTech will supply the vessels and Langkawi Port will run the service. Tenaga Nasional Berhad is developing its power supply and charging infrastructure. The three companies will work with government agencies, infrastructure providers and other stakeholders to address the project’s technical, operational, regulatory and commercial requirements.
The vessels will use marinEV’s Hydroferry platform, incorporating electric propulsion, energy storage on board, autonomous and remote-operation capabilities, and integrated digital technology from Zeabuzz. The Edge reported that fast chargers will fully charge a ferry in an hour and that maintenance will cost less than for vessels with internal combustion engines.
The Edge also reported plans for six daily trips. Langkawi Ports general manager Muhd Nasir Aziz said fares were expected to be at a premium, although prices have not been announced. Yinson chief of staff Liaw Thong Jung said the project would complement existing operators rather than take their business, while increasing trips between Langkawi and Kuala Perlis.
