Tommy Phun, Founder and CEO, Pyxis
Singapore’s push towards greener waterways took a major leap forward with the official launch of the country’s first solar-powered ferry, the Pyxis R.
Developed by Singapore-based maritime electrification startup Pyxis, the Pyxis R builds on the success of the company’s first electric vessel series, Pyxis One, which was introduced last year.
Now part of the fleet of leading river cruise operator WaterB, the Pyxis R marks a significant milestone in sustainable maritime transport. It offers a cleaner and more energy-efficient way to experience the city’s iconic river.
Unveiled at the “Our River, Reimagined” event held on March 17 at the ArtScience Museum, the Pyxis R introduces a groundbreaking innovation to Singapore’s maritime landscape—Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) technology. The project is the result of a strategic partnership between Pyxis Maritime, SP Mobility, The Mobility House Asia Pacific (TMH), and WaterB, formed through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to pilot practical V2G solutions on the water.
According to Tommy Phun, Founder and CEO of Pyxis, the Pyxis R was designed to “reimagine the waterways” with smart, solar-assisted electric vessels that minimise environmental impact while optimising efficiency.
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Featuring a highly efficient aluminium catamaran hull, the Pyxis R requires only the power equivalent of three to four hairdryers to cruise along the Singapore River.
In this interview with e27, Phun explains how the company aims to contribute to the effort towards net zero and what is coming up next for the company. The following is an edited excerpt of the conversation.
How does Pyxis R contribute to Singapore’s broader push towards a net-zero maritime industry? What specific emissions-reduction targets are you aiming for?
Singapore has set net-zero goals for the maritime industry, and Pyxis R is a crucial milestone in that journey. An important feature of Pyxis R is its vehicle-to-grid (V2G) capability, which allows excess solar-generated energy to be exported to the electricity grid.
This innovation improves overall energy efficiency and helps advance the goal of achieving net-zero emissions.
What are the key technological advancements powering Pyxis R? How do they enhance efficiency and sustainability in maritime operations?
Pyxis R is powered by an integrated solar-assisted charging system that helps extend its range and reduce reliance on shore-based charging.
In addition to its vehicle-to-grid (V2G) capability, Pyxis R is also equipped with smart energy management systems and IoT-enabled monitoring. Its real-time data analytics enable predictive maintenance, ensuring reliability while minimising downtime.
These innovations make Pyxis R, not just a cleaner alternative but a smarter one – enhancing efficiency, reducing operational costs and supporting Singapore’s transition to a net-zero maritime industry.
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How has the reception been from stakeholders in the maritime sector, including shipping companies, regulators, and port operators?
The momentum for maritime electrification is stronger than ever, and the response has been overwhelmingly positive. Maritime companies view the Pyxis electric product lines as a significant step toward achieving sustainability targets while providing long-term cost benefits.
Operators are also excited about the potential for integrated smart charging infrastructure, which we are actively developing alongside partners, including SP Mobility.
Singapore has been proactive in implementing green maritime policies. How does Pyxis R align with these regulations, and what challenges do you anticipate in compliance and implementation?
Pyxis R is designed to align with the country’s green plan by supporting the transition to electric vessels and promoting a net-zero maritime industry. One of the key challenges we anticipate is attracting talent and transforming the workforce.
As the industry shifts toward electrification and digitalisation, there is a growing need for maritime professionals with expertise in electric propulsion, energy management and data-driven fleet operations.
We are actively working with industry partners and educational institutions to build a strong talent pipeline, ensuring that the next generation of maritime professionals has the skills needed to build a sustainable future.
Do you see the potential for Pyxis R to expand beyond Singapore? What are the opportunities and hurdles in bringing this technology to regional or global markets?
Absolutely. Many coastal cities across Asia and beyond are facing the same pressure to decarbonise their maritime industries.
For instance, Japan has been actively exploring green port initiatives, and we have signed an MOU with one of the world’s largest shipping companies, Mitsui O.S.K Lines (MOL) to expand into the country.
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The challenge lies in adapting our technology to different regulatory environments and ensuring the infrastructure is in place for seamless adoption. However, with growing global interest in green port ecosystems, we see immense potential for expansion into the region.
What’s next for Pyxis following the launch of Pyxis R? Are there additional innovations or partnerships in the pipeline to further transform the maritime sector?
The launch of Pyxis R marks a significant step in our commitment to innovating for a greener maritime industry. We are currently developing the next pipeline of new vessel models tailored to different maritime use cases.
Additionally, we are expanding our marine charging infrastructure and refining our Electra platform for smart fleet management.
Beyond Singapore, we are also in discussions with regional partners to bring our vessels to other markets. Our goal is to create a fully connected, electrified maritime network, and we are excited about the journey ahead.
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Image Credit: Pyxis
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