Category: Press Release

• E-tug based on SeaTech’s “E-Volt Electric Tug” design with Shift providing its battery system
• Construction of the e-tug will be carried out at Vallianz’s shipyard in Batam, Indonesia

SINGAPORE, 22 February 2022 – Vallianz Holdings Limited (“Vallianz” or the “Company”, and together with its subsidiaries, the “Group”), SeaTech Solutions International Pte Ltd (“SeaTech”), Shift Clean Energy (“Shift”) and the American Bureau of Shipping (“ABS”) have formed a strategic alliance to combine their respective technical expertise and engineering capabilities for the construction of an all-electric, zero carbon emissions harbour tug (“e-tug”) – the first of its kind in the Asia Pacific region.

To mark this collaboration and commencement of the e-tug’s construction, representatives from Vallianz, SeaTech, Shift and ABS attended a signing ceremony held today at Vallianz’s headquarters in Singapore, in conjunction with a livestream of the steel-cutting ceremony at Vallianz’s shipyard in Batam, Indonesia, Vallianz PT USP.

Based on the “E-Volt Electric Tug” design by SeaTech, the e-tug will be driven by a fully-classed electric battery system provided by Canadian-based Shift. This follows a recent Memorandum of Understanding between Vallianz and Shift to collaborate on vessels that require electrification solutions.

The e-tug’s battery design adheres to the ABS “Guide for Use of Lithium Batteries in the Marine and Offshore Industries” and the ABS “Guide for Hybrid Electric Power Systems for Marine and Offshore Applications”.

Measuring an overall length of about 24 meters, the e-tug will be powered fully by battery and equipped with azimuth propulsion. It will have a bollard pull in excess of 60 tonnes with service speed of over 12 knots. A key feature of this project is the addition of a value-added onshore charging infrastructure whichallows any client to seamlessly integrate this vessel into their existing port operations. The digitization platform installed on the e-tug – from its battery management system to auxiliary equipment systems – will enable the end-user to remotely monitor and optimize the vessel’s operational efficiency.

Said Mr Darren Yeo, Executive Vice Chairman of Vallianz, “Our strategic collaboration with Seatech, ABS and Shift is a major milestone in the development of the Group’s business. This e-tug project with ourpartners will enhance the Group’s technical know-how and engineering expertise to embark on the construction of environmentally-friendly vessels. It is in line with Vallianz’s sustainability efforts and puts us at the forefront of the global marine industry’s trend towards sustainability and decarbonisation.

As the first of its kind in Asia Pacific, the e-tug will yield environmental and economic benefits to the end-users, industry and community at large, in achieving their zero-emission environmental targets. We expect this e-tug to transform the way port operations are carried out. The operational e-tug will reduce at least 150 tons of nitrogen oxide (NOx) and 2,000 tons of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions annually versus a conventional tug. This is equivalent to removing 500 typical passenger vehicles from the road.

The e-tug will act as a showcase of our shipyard’s capabilities and clearly demonstrate Vallianz’s constant efforts to transform and innovate our business. We believe this will place the Group in a good position to capitalise on potential demand in a number of markets where there is growing interest in e-tugs such as Asia, Middle East and Australia.”

“We are excited to be partnering with these best-in-class companies,”said Brent Perry, CEO, Shift Clean Energy. “We share their commitment to decarbonising the marine and port industries, and are excited about this Asia Pacific first – a 100 per cent zero emission tug. Electrification of vessels like these is an option because of our safe marine batteries, which we develop to exceed all regulations in place now, and those that would be anticipated even over the next 30 years.”

Mr Govinder Singh Chopra, Director of SeaTech, stated: “The E-Volt Tug is our customized and cost-effective electric solution for harbour Tugs to reduce emissions within the ports around the world. We at SeaTech are delighted to be part of this milestone in line with SeaTech’s vision of a decarbonised Maritime 4.0.”

“ABS is proud to be able to use our extensive experience with hybrid electric systems to support the decarbonisation of our industry, a goal which this innovative project brings a key step closer. ABS Industry leading modelling and simulation techniques are also under exploration for this project to further optimize the design and evaluate decarbonisation performance of the tug,” said Pier Carazzai, ABS Vice President, Pacific Regional Business Development.

The construction of the e-tug is not expected to have any material impact on the net tangible assets or earnings per share of the Group for the current financial year ending 31 March 2022.

About Vallianz Holdings Limited

Vallianz is an established provider of offshore marine and engineering solutions for the global energy industry. To keep pace with the transformation of energy markets, the Group continually advances its capabilities and adapts its solutions to meet customers’ needs.

From its headquarters in Singapore, the Group’s reach extends to markets in Asia Pacific, Middle East and Central America. To enhance its customer value-add, Vallianz offers integrated solutions across five core pillars — offshore support vessel chartering, specialised heavy transport, shipyard and engineering, marine technology, and renewable energy.

Today, Vallianz is a leading provider of offshore support vessels. Together with its affiliated company in the Middle East, they have a combined fleet of over 100 vessels that provide critical support to customers in the conventional and renewable energy sectors. The Group also owns a shipyard in Batam, Indonesia, which has strong in-house fabrication and engineering capabilities. Listed on SGX-Catalist, Vallianz is helmed by an experienced management team.

About Vallianz PT USP

Established since 2006, Vallianz PT. United Sindo Perkasa (Vallianz PT USP) is wholly-owned subsidiary of the Groupand is located in the Kabil Industry Zone of Batam, Indonesia. Vallianz PT USP’s shipyard in Batam serves as a marine base for vessel docking, repair and maintenance works. The shipyard possesses strong in-house fabrication and engineering capabilities such as ship building, ship conversion, ship repair, machining works, piping repairs and installation and mechanical repair of marine equipment.

For more details about the Group, please refer to http://www.vallianzholdings.com.

About SeaTech Solutions International Pte Ltd

Singapore-based SeaTech has built a strong reputation in vessel design and engineering excellence since its establishment in 2000. Its compendium of over 380 unique designs showcases extensive expertise, innovation and technology, propelling the company as a centre for marine and offshore excellence, offering a complete suite of competencies in-house, from design to engineering and consulting. To date, over 640 vessels operating worldwide bear the SeaTech hallmark of energy efficiency, safety and reliability.

For more information about SeaTech, please refer to https://www.seatechsolutions.com

About Shift Clean Energy

Shift Clean Energy enables customers to meet their climate action and ESG goals with clean energy solutions based on leading-edge energy storage systems. Understood to be the safest and most reliable energy storage solutions on the market today, and the first commercial marine solutions company to offer pay-as-you-go PwrSwäp subscription energy systems. Customers save money from day one through electrification, integrating ESS and renewable energy for both commercial and maritime applications. Join us on our mission to zero emissions.

About American Bureau of Shipping

ABS, a leading global provider of classification and technical advisory services to the marine and offshore industries, is committed to setting standards for safety and excellence in design and construction. Focused on safe and practical application of advanced technologies and digital solutions, ABS works with industry and clients to develop accurate and cost-effective compliance, optimized performance and operational efficiency for marine and offshore assets.

For more details about ABS, please refer to https://www.eagle.org

KOTUG will deploy the KOTUG E-Pusher type M and four barges for zero-emission barging of cocoa beans from Cargill between the Port of Amsterdam, the largest cocoa import port in the world, and their cacao facilities in Zaandam. The vessel is equipped with swappable battery energy containers from Shift Clean Energy (Shift), which is part of the revolutionary design of the vessel and will utilize Shift’s unique battery swapping and charging stations.

Cargill will be the first company with this fully electrified industrial setup for inland shipping.

With the 100 per cent electric E-Pusher, KOTUG supports companies that want to build more resilient and sustainable supply chains. The modular and scalable electric pusher tug is powered by swappable energy containers. With this zero-emission solution, KOTUG supports the worldwide energy transition and the modal shift from road transport to waterways. Furthermore, due to the modular approach and lean assembly method, KOTUG reduced the construction time by more than half compared to traditional pusher boats. The E-Pusher type M can push barges with up to 4,000 tons of cargo. The E-Pusher Series consists of three types: Small, Medium and Large, respectively for transportation in inner cities, over short distances and the larger inland waterways.

Improving CAPEX and OPEX

By using barges, the E-Pusher concept contributes to a more efficient operation compared to traditional vessels. Efficiency is also achieved with the swappable energy container from Shift Clean Energy; changing the container at one of the battery hubs on-the-go is done in a few minutes. In addition, empty batteries can be recharged at night, taking advantage of possible energy surpluses in the grid.

Shift’s PwrSwäp Solutions
Shift provides swappable energy containers that utilize its zero-emission ESS battery systems which range from 70kWH to 6MWh. These modular ESS battery systems are charged through clean power generation from biogas, hydrogen, and other renewable energy sources either onboard the vessels or at Shift’s dedicated PwrSwäp energy stations. By swapping these ESS battery systems, uptime is maximized for the vessel owners.

Ard-Jan Kooren, President & CEO of KOTUG International: “We launched the E-Pusher concept in 2021, and the smaller type, the E-Pusher S (The CityBarge One), is already successfully deployed in several inland waterways and cities. I am very proud that an international company like Cargill is our first customer for the E-Pusher type M. The vessel is designed for transportations like these and guarantees zero-emission logistics and a significantly approved efficiency. As a result, we can support a broad range of industries to turn a part of their supply chain emission-free without extra costs. The applications of the E-Pusher are endless and vary from the transportation of (construction) waste to construction materials to all kinds of products and packages.   

Paul Hughes, President & Co-Founder Shift Clean Energy: “We are thrilled to partner with KOTUG for the supply of the swappable batteries for the revolutionary E-Pusher™ type M.  With our PwrSwäp charging stations along the route, as part of the broader Amsterdam-Rotterdam-Antwerp route, we can eliminate any concerns on range anxiety. In our opinion, overcoming this important hurdle will open the door to large-scale electrification of vessels, and thus to zero-emission water transportation. Our PwrSwäp charging stations will be multi-fuel and open access and will provide an important infrastructure improvement for ports and cities as they progress their emissions reduction programs. This is a great start.”

Alma Prins, Head Cargo and Offshore at Port of Amsterdam: ”I applaud these kinds of developments and initiatives. As the largest cocoa import port in the world, many cocoa beans arrive here in Amsterdam. It’s great that these can be transported emission-free between the warehouses in our port and the Cargill factories in Zaandam. We want to move towards a climate-neutral port, so the fewer emissions, the better.”

About KOTUG

KOTUG is a leading maritime family-owned company, offering its innovative towage and maritime related services on a global scale. KOTUG is firmly committed to the highest industry standards of health, safety, environment, quality and security. Adding value by sustainability-focused innovations, KOTUG provides the complete portfolio based on a combination of long-standing knowledge and advanced technologies. From designing, building, chartering and operating vessels to training people and providing innovative consultancy services. The company’s expertise is divided across five pillars: Towage, Training & Consultancy, Intelligence, Subsea and Maritime Excellence. KOTUG is active in Europe, Russia, Asia, Australia, Africa, Middle East, North and South America and the Caribbean and continues to expand its operations worldwide. www.kotug.com

About Shift Clean Energy

Shift Clean Energy enables customers to meet their climate action and ESG goals with clean energy solutions based on leading-edge energy storage systems. Understood to be the safest and most reliable energy storage solutions on the market today, and the first commercial marine solutions company to offer pay-as-you-go PwrSwäp subscription energy systems.  Customers save money from day one through electrification, integrating ESS and renewable energy for both commercial and maritime applications. Join us on our mission to zero emissions. www.shift-cleanenergy.com

VANCOUVER/SEOUL 15 December 2021: Climate action solution leader Shift Clean Energy, and Kokam, a global provider of innovative lithium-ion battery solutions and a subsidiary of SolarEdge Technologies Inc., are excited to announce a long-term partnership for the marine market. Specifically designed for commercial and industrial applications, Shift’s battery design with Kokam battery cells delivers among the most robust industrial Energy Storage Solutions (ESS) currently available on the market and is a significant factor in helping to drive the transition from diesel to electricity in marine applications. 

Kokam’s field-proven high-performance battery cells ensure less heat creation and efficient heat dissipation in order to minimize energy loss. At the same time, the cells support vigorous and continuous operations, allowing for a safe, stable and durable battery system that can withstand challenging conditions over time.  

Shift’s unique cooling system provides maximized benefits to customers looking to electrify propulsion systems in the marine sector. Their ESS provide fire prevention and durability, when tested at temperatures as high as 950° Celsius for over an hour. Shift’s ESS design, coupled with their e-Pod swappable batteries, further demonstrates their commitment to safe operations and of the resilience of their cores for their entire life of service.

“We are proud to work with Kokam, our partner of choice,” said Brent Perry, CEO, Shift Clean Energy. “Our customers can now be confident that when they are choosing Shift to provide them with a climate action solution using electrification, they are getting the advanced lithium cells from Kokam.”

“Kokam is delighted to be working with Shift on developing versatile battery solutions for marine applications. We are proud to be a part of Shift’s creative solutions with our innovative cell technologies. We will continue to develop solutions that contribute to decarbonizing marine power sources to further a more sustainable future,” said Ike Hong, CMO of Kokam.

Shift and Kokam will together help transform the inland waterways, ports and windfarms of the world by offering these different verticals, zero emission solutions over the next few years, well ahead of the goals set out by the IMO (International Marine Organization) of achieving 50% reduction in emissions by 2050. 

About Shift Clean Energy

Shift Clean Energy enables customers to meet their climate action and ESG goals with clean energy solutions based on leading-edge energy storage systems. Our practical pay-as-you-go PwrSwäp service, based on swappable batteries, provides reliability and less risk. Customers save money from day one through electrification, integrating ESS and renewable energy for both commercial and maritime applications. Join us on our mission to zero emissions.

About Kokam

Kokam is a global market leader in the manufacturing of premium quality lithium-ion battery systems and advanced ESS solutions. Its patented battery cell technology allows Kokam to provide battery solutions for applications and use-cases that require high levels of quality, performance, safety, and reliability. Committed to solving energy storage challenges, Kokam develops customized solutions for the demanding energy storage and UPS applications. Today, Kokam’s state-of-the-art battery solutions are deployed around the world and in a wide variety of industries including, electric vehicles (EV), energy storage systems (ESS), marine and uninterrupted power supply (UPS). Kokam is a subsidiary of SolarEdge Technologies Inc., a NASDAQ traded company and global leader in smart energy. Kokam is online at kokam.com.

Marine battery experts Sterling PlanB rebrand as Shift and launch global climate change Solution

London, 25 OCTOBER 2021: A new corporate name heralds the start of expanded business goals for marine electrification pioneer Brent Perry and his team, and the announcement of a ground-breaking new clean energy service.

Now called Shift, the company formerly known as Sterling PlanB Energy Solutions (SPBES) held a news conference in London to announce the expansion of its markets beyond marine industries and to launch a one-of-a-kind, new pay-as-you-go energy supply service called PwrSwäp.

“We’re building a new business model to help customers shift to a cleaner world through electrification,” said Shift CEO Brent Perry at the announcement. “Shift – and our leading-edge PwrSwäp system – is ready to help industry, corporations, small communities and other institutions to use clean energy for their operations and achieve climate action goals, while also saving them money on day one.”

The announcement comes as the marine industry and others come under considerable pressure to move away from diesel fuel and achieve ambitious greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction targets, including the International Maritime Organization goal to reduce GHGs by at least 40 per cent by 2030 and by 50 per cent by 2050.

PwrSwäp is a cost-effective way for any customer to electrify their site, be it maritime or on land. Its practical, pay-as-you-go service gives customers a clean energy solution with more reliability and less risk. Based on Shift’s best-in-class energy storage systems (ESS), PwrSwäp provides customers with fully charged ePod battery cartridges and all related components which are connected through cloud-based service and management centres. The swappable batteries are sized per trip instead of a permanent 10-year system, greatly reducing size and weight and cost, some of the biggest barriers to ESS use.

This “swapping” process is enabled by the unequalled safety features of Shift’s batteries, built for the most challenging environments on earth. Batteries and charging stations are at the core of PwrSwäp, but Shift can also integrate new renewable energy sources like offshore wind and solar. This integrated approach can electrify ports, terminals, inland waterways, industrial sites and even entire isolated communities.

What is unique with Shift’s approach, and a new innovation in the maritime sector, is that customers don’t have to own the batteries, deal with maintenance, build the charging stations, or even the renewable power production facility. Shift owns the assets and simply sells the energy to subscribers in the PwrSwäp service. Shift finances the transition of marine vessels to electrification. The customers pay for the energy they use, and swap batteries when that energy is depleted for a fresh battery. This means customers do not have to invest in expensive up-front capital costs or take on the technology transition risk. If new technology emerges over time, Shift integrates that into the solution, with no new capital cost to the customer.

“Customers save money from day one while meeting their climate action goals,” said Perry. “PwrSwäp delivers a ready-made clean energy solution that is faster, better and cheaper. We are changing the game – like Uber or Amazon have. Our ‘swapping’ system means there is no lag time for PwrSwäp customers, such as short sea shipping customers. Our uniquely safe and robust batteries give us the ability to deliver this service. If you are serious about taking action on climate change now and want an approach with the fewest risks to you and your company, Shift has the solution.”

Created in 2019, the Canadian company is well-known for its electrification of ferries, workboats and similar short sea vessels in Scandinavia. Recently the company has been expanding operations in Europe and Asia, and now has representatives in Canada, Norway, Denmark, the Netherlands, Spain, the UK, Japan, USA, India, Australia, New Zealand and the UAE, as well as key partnerships in many additional countries.

In October of this year, Malaysia-based energy firm Yinson Holdings Berhad provided significant funding to Shift through its green technology division. The two companies also signed a Memorandum of Understanding which stated the two companies intend to form a joint venture collaboration to accelerate the large-scale rollout of PwrSwäp and other Shift solutions globally.

“As climate leaders and ESS experts, Brent Perry and his team at Shift are uniquely positioned to take advantage of the marine decarbonisation initiatives currently being rolled out globally,” said Yinson Executive Vice President New Ventures and Technology, Eirik Barclay. “Yinson is excited to support the expansion of marine electric mobility and looking forward to working with Shift to roll out ESS and PwrSwäp solutions in the South-East Asian market.”

Shift is currently providing its battery and charging station system for an important electric hydrofoil pilot project at the Port of Singapore in partnership with Yinson and others.

The company’s new brand and logo were created by renowned designer David Carson, called “the art director of the era” by some observers. The Shift wordmark features a clean contemporary font and conveys the company’s marine roots and green-driven mission. The plus symbol embedded in the wordmark references CEO Brent Perry’s founding role in the marine battery industry. More information about Carson Design is available at davidcarsondesign.com.

Shift PwrSwäp Backgrounder

Shift Climate Action Backgrounder

For all media enquiries:

Carolyn Jack
Coast Communications and Public Affairs
E: carolyn@coastcomms.ca
M: 001-604-970-3234

MoU concurrently inked to accelerate large-scale rollout of clean and zero emission shipping energy storage solutions regionally

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; 6 October 2021: Yinson Holdings Berhad (“Yinson” or the “Group”), through Singapore-based subsidiary Yinson Venture Capital Pte Ltd (a wholly owned subsidiary of Yinson Green Technologies Pte Ltd “YGT”), has invested in Sterling PBES Energy Solutions Ltd (“SPBES”), a Canada-based energy storage solutions company working to lower or eliminate dependence on fossil fuels in marine and industrial applications.

This clean energy investment fits firmly in YGT’s strategy of investing in the marine electrification area, and closely aligns with the Group’s Climate Goals of achieving carbon neutrality by 2030 and net zero by 2050.

In addition to the investment, YGT and SPBES have also entered into a binding Memorandum of Understanding (“MoU”) with the intention to form a joint venture collaboration to accelerate the large-scale rollout of SPBES’ solutions within selected countries in Southeast Asia and beyond.

The investment and MoU mark progressive steps in the deepening business relationship between the two companies. Yinson and SPBES initially collaborated on the design development of Hydroglyder – Yinson’s fully electric passenger craft with swappable batteries; then also became part of the Goal Zero consortium led by Seatech Solutions International Pte Ltd, which was awarded funding by the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) and Singapore Maritime Institute (SMI) in August 2021 to provide a fully electric harbour craft solution for the Port of Singapore.

Yinson Executive Vice President New Ventures and Technology, Eirik Barclay commented that the partnership would leverage Yinson’s strong presence in Southeast Asia to offer SPBES business solutions to marine, port and other industrial energy storage sectors, as well as to establish service and assembly hubs for energy storage and battery swap solutions.

“We believe that SPBES is equipped with high standards in marine energy storage system capabilities, including advanced technology and outstanding safety features. As a pioneer in this space, SPBES is uniquely positioned to take advantage of the marine decarbonization initiatives taking place globally. Yinson is excited to support the expansion of this clean energy solution in the region,” he commented, adding that the partnership also aims to extend the technology to the non-maritime sectors which are centric to YGT’s electrification of mobility strategy.

Yinson Group Chief Strategy Officer, Daniel Bong highlighted that Yinson and SPBES share the same goal of delivering zero-emission solutions towards achieving a globally integrated, technologically advanced clean logistics ecosystem.

“Energy storage is key to the decarbonization for the transport industry. This collaboration with SPBES aligns strategically with Yinson’s targeted approach for growing our green technologies business, where we leverage our existing strengths and focus on the geomarkets where we are currently active,” he said.

“We’re thrilled to have Yinson on board as our cornerstone investor,” said SPBES CEO Brent Perry, “Our company has big plans to play a leading role in global clean energy solutions, and Yinson is an excellent partner for our goals. Our mutual commitment to working toward zero emissions promises great things ahead as we build energy solutions for the maritime and other industries. Together we will build a new business model for a cleaner world.”

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About Yinson Holdings Berhad

“PASSIONATELY DELIVERING POWERFUL SOLUTIONS”

Yinson Holdings Berhad (“Yinson” or the “Group”) is a global energy infrastructure and technology company, listed on the Main Market of Bursa Malaysia Securities Berhad.

Yinson currently invests in four business divisions – Offshore Production, Renewables, Green Technologies and Offshore Marine. Our geographical presence extends across the world, from West Africa, the Americas, Europe and Southeast Asia.

Yinson was established in 1983 as a transport agency in Johor Bahru. In 2011, the Group ventured into offshore production through a joint venture with PetroVietnam Technical Services Corporation to build two offshore production assets. In 2014, Yinson transformed to become a full-scale execution and service FPSO provider through the acquisition of Fred Olsen Production ASA and subsequent divestment of its non-oil & gas business segments. Today, with a fleet of 7 offshore production assets, Yinson has grown to become one of the largest independent FPSO leasing companies in the global FPSO market.

Yinson diversified into renewables in 2019, and targets to become one of the leading clean energy independent power producers (IPPs) globally. Its renewables footprint is rapidly expanding, positioning renewables as a major revenue stream for the Group. Yinson established its Green Technologies Division in 2020, with the aim of accelerating the transition to a net zero world through investments in green technologies.

Energy storage experts add an inland waterway shipping expert to their roster.  

Vancouver, Canada; 23 September 2021: Sterling Plan B (SPBES) is excited to announce the appointment of long-time inland waterways shipping consultant, Leen Schipper, to the position of Vice President, Inland Waterways Europe with SPBES.  

SPBES sees increasing opportunities for marine battery use in the inland waterway shipping market, as customers move toward decreasing their climate change impacts through electrification: adding Leen Schipper, an internationally recognized expert in short sea shipping to the team has become crucial.  

Schipper, who is Dutch, has an abundance of knowledge regarding inland waterway shipping in the Netherlands and in Europe as his family has worked in the field for generations. In fact, Schipper was raised on his family’s inland vessel and has owned barges himself in the past. 

Schipper has shown a commitment to making inland waterway shipping as clean as possible; he himself has designed and built two “near to zero” energy containers that are currently running on bio-gas.  

While originally hired to consult for a project with SPBES, Schipper felt very aligned with the company and our team and asked to join us as an employee. Within weeks, Schipper became a member of our team.  

“Having been born into the inland waterway shipping industry, I feel passionate about Sterling PlanB and their mission to significantly reduce emissions in the area. Energy storage is the next step to successfully making our industry a clean one. I’m excited to join SPBES on this journey,” Schipper said.  

“Leen offers a level of insight and experience that is incomparable in our field,” said Brent Perry, CEO and Founder, SPBES. “Between his experience in the inland waterway shipping industry and his endless connections that have been built over his lifetime, Leen has proven to be an exciting addition to the Sterling PlanB team.”  

The energy storage experts’ Norway team expands with more Supply Chain specialists. 

Sterling PlanB Energy Systems (SPBES), maritime and industrial energy storage leaders, has announced the appointment of Tommy Dale to the role of Senior Manager, Supply Chain and Projects.

Tommy Dale will be working out of SPBES’s Norway office to widen and expand its supply chain and prepare it for significant growth expected in the coming months and years. Dale brings over 20 years’ experience in manufacturing engineering and procurement to the SPBES team. Dale’s appointment comes following SPBES’s earlier announcement of Nanda Kishore’s Supply Chain Officer appointment. Dale and Nanda will be working together closely to serve customers in Scandinavia and around the globe. The appointments of both supply chain specialists represent a commitment to SPBES’s supply chain partners and to a highly professional approach to partnerships.

“Dale comes from an impressive and extensive background in supply chain work that will very quickly make him an asset to the SPBES team” said Brent Perry, CEO, SPBES

“ESS will increasingly be a significant part of how customers take climate action, so it is a new but exciting opportunity as the industry is expected to have exponential growth in the coming years,” said Dale. “I’m excited to join SPBES and work on ESS and in a sector that will have a positive impact on the global issues we see today.” 

Dale comes from an engineering background, both academically and professionally. Norwegian born and bred; Dale received his Bachelor of Manufacturing Engineering from the Western Norway School of Applied Sciences. Over the last 20 years, Dale had been working at engine manufacturing giant, Rolls-Royce Power Systems, with his most recent position before joining SPBES being Project Manager.  

New fully electric lighter craft vessel to help in decarbonisation of Singapore harbourcraft industry

Sterling PlanB Energy Solutions (SPBES) is proud to announce it is part of the Goal Zero consortium that will help the harbourcraft industry in Singapore decrease greenhouse gas emissions. The consortium has been selected by the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) and Singapore Maritime Institute (SMI) to develop, deploy and commercialize a technologically advanced, fully electric cargo vessel with interoperable charging solutions using swappable batteries for Singapore’s ports.

The Goal Zero consortium, led by SeaTech Solutions International (SSI) and its commercialization partner Yinson Green Technologies Pte Ltd (YGT), received one of three grants jointly awarded by the MPA and SMI on August 5, 2021, with consortiums led by Keppel FELS Limited and Sembcorp Marine receiving the other two grants. MPA and SMI’s joint call for proposals, which was issued in September 2020, attracted strong interest from the maritime community with 73 companies and 10 institutes of higher learning submitting a total of 16 proposals. A total co-funding of $8.4 million CDA (SGD 9 million) was awarded to the three successful consortiums to support the research, design, build and operations of fully electric harbour crafts for the next five years. The electrification pilot projects will demonstrate both the commercial and technical viability of specific use cases for fully electric harbour crafts.

SPBES has the most experienced team in the industry, and produces the safest marine batteries available, with a safety record that exceeds all current regulations. Its founder and CEO Brent Perry pioneered the marine battery sector. SPBES has electrified vessels around the world, including ferries, offshore support vessels, tugboats and others.

“We are excited about this electrification pilot in Singapore – one of the most active ports in the world,” said Perry. “We believe this project will demonstrate to all ports that there is a cost-effective, safe and successful path to zero emissions in the sector using marine batteries.”

Goal Zero will embark on the research, design, build and operations of fully electric cargo vessels over the next five years. The project will pilot one of the most innovative and affordable swappable marine battery solutions designed by SPBES and also contribute to design and development of the interoperable swappable charging stations.

YGT will spearhead Goal Zero’s overall program management and commercialization, while Singapore-based marine design engineering company SSI leads the consortium, developing the vessel design and system integration.

“We are proud that Goal Zero will help to solve some of the biggest issues faced by vessel owners and operators when it comes to the adoption of electric vessels,” said Yinson Executive Vice President, New Ventures and Technology, Eirik Barclay. “We are looking to develop a new ecosystem and business model that is significantly more sustainable for the harbour craft industry while also being more commercially attractive for vessel owners and operators. We chose SPBES as a partner because they are the best in the business in terms of marine batteries.”

The consortium also includes Rina Hong Kong Limited Singapore Branch as the classification society and the Singapore Institute of Technology and Technology Centre for Offshore and Marine Singapore as the institute of higher learning and research institute developing the digital twin. Goal Zero is also supported by industry partners Batam Fast Ferry Pte Ltd, Bernhard Schulte (Singapore) Holdings Pte Ltd, DM Sea Logistics Pte Ltd, Marina Offshore Pte Ltd, Kenoil Marine Services Pte Ltd, Lita Ocean Pte Ltd and Jurong Port Pte Ltd.

 

Maritime and industrial energy storage solutions expert further expands team in Europe and announce the arrival of supply-chain specialist.

Leading maritime and industrial energy storage solutions expert, Sterling PlanB, has announced the appointment of senior procurement professional Nanda Kishore to the position of Chief Supply Chain Officer.

Located in Bergen, Norway, Kishore is now based out of Sterling PlanB’s Norway office. He is responsible for managing the operations of the company post-contract issue, managing all contract execution through the supply chain, manufacturing and delivery to customer.

This senior staff appointment comes following the recent announcement of Sterling PlanB signing a co-operation agreement with Europe’s largest independent ship design office, ICE. Two months ago, Sterling PlanB also announced the hiring of Jens-Christian Strate as the new European Head of Solutions out of Copenhagen, Denmark. With Sterling PlanB’s continued expansion into Europe, this significant new addition to Sterling PlanB’s Europe-based team provides an additional level of expertise and experience to its customers.

“Nanda’s academic and professional experience in manufacturing quality control as well as marine projects make him a well-suited and exciting new addition to the Sterling PlanB team,” said Sterling PlanB founder and CEO Brent Perry. “His extensive experience in the Norwegian market and passion for sustainability will greatly serve us and our customers in continuing to disrupt the energy sector with lower emission solutions.”

Enthusiastic about the career move, Kishore commented: “I’m thrilled to be contributing towards Sterling PlanB’s pivotal sustainability goals, and ultimately making the world a better place for the next generation.”

Kishore has an impressive professional and academic background, with a Bachelor of Engineering, specializing in mechanical engineering, from Bangalore University and certifications related to project management, purchase management and lead auditing. Kishore was most recently with Rolls Royce Power Systems as their Head of Manufacturing Programs before joining the Sterling PlanB team.