MPA Singapore’s new Early Adopter Scheme for Electric Harbour Craft (EASE) sends a strong policy signal that electrification is the way forward
SINGAPORE – On 14 October 2026, The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) announced the Early Adopter Scheme for Electric Harbour Craft (EASE), offering harbour craft operators of up to S$250,000 per vessel to support the transition to electric vessels.
By helping to offset upfront costs, the grant aims to catalyse early demand and encourage more operators to make the switch to electric vessels. Early adoption will help to address the chicken-and-egg challenge facing vessel electrification, where limited demand can constrain investment in the technologies and infrastructure needed to achieve scale. The scheme marks a strong policy push by Singapore’s authorities, complementing the requirement for all new harbour craft operating in its waters from 2030 to be fully electric, capable of using B100 biofuel, or compatible with net-zero fuels.
Realising the full potential of these incentives will require parallel progress in enabling infrastructure. To this end, Singapore will continue expanding its charging infrastructure, including four additional chargers at Loyang Offshore Supply Base and more public chargers at Jurong Port and West Coast Pier in 2027.
“Pacific Environment welcomes the grant and commitment to zero-emissions harbour craft in Singapore’s waters. It sends a clear and strong policy signal that will accelerate market development and spur investment in electric vessels. Singapore has demonstrated leadership through its progressive policies and initiatives to decarbonise its domestic harbour craft sector, and this latest measure further strengthens its position as a frontrunner in maritime electrification.” – Lim Jie Ying, Singapore climate specialist at Pacific Environment.
Pacific Environment looks forward to continued collaboration with Singapore’s maritime stakeholders to support the sector’s net-zero goals. Prioritising direct electrification and the development of its supporting infrastructure will be critical to delivering meaningful emissions reductions, alongside genuinely sustainable net-zero fuels where direct electrification is not feasible. Singapore’s experience in developing strong policy frameworks to accelerate maritime decarbonisation offers valuable lessons for ports around the world.
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