AET to develop largest plug-in hybrid

Malaysia-owned shipowner and operator, AET, has signed an agreement with Fleetzero, an Alabama-based designer and manufacturer of marine batteries, to develop the world’s longest-range plug-in hybrid-electric vessel.

AET, which is headquartered in Singapore, plans to retrofit one of its Lightering Support Vessels (LSV) so that it can operate primarily on battery power. Greenhouse gas emissions are expected to fall by about 82% as a result of the move, measured on a tank-to-wake basis, equivalent to about 1,220 tonnes a year.  

Zahid Osman, president and group CEO of Malaysia International Shipping Corporation, AET’s parent, said: “This partnership marks a pivotal step in our decarbonisation journey and energy transition strategy. We are proud to partner Fleetzero in developing the world’s largest plug-in, hybrid-electric LSV, reinforcing our commitment to innovative and sustainable solutions in the maritime industry.

“By integrating plug-in hybrid electric solutions into our fleet, we are transforming ambition into action to deliver more energy with less emissions,” he continued. “This pilot project also allows us to evaluate the feasibility and operational performance of this technology, paving the way for potential deployment across AET’s and potentially MISC’s fleet.”