Challenges and Solutions in Developing Infrastructure for Electric Yachts in Southeast Asia

Southeast Asia, with over 25,000 islands and world-renowned coastal destinations such as Ha Long Bay, Bali, and Phang Nga Bay, is one of the most promising regions for marine tourism. In the context of globalization and increasing pressure to reduce carbon emissions, electric yachts are emerging as a sustainable alternative to traditional diesel-powered vessels. However, the growth of electric yachting in the region is hindered by limited infrastructure, particularly shore power systems. This article analyzes the key challenges in developing electric yacht infrastructure in Southeast Asia and proposes practical solutions to advance the industry—along with the long-term benefits these solutions could bring.

Challenge: Limited Shore Power Infrastructure

One of the biggest barriers to electric yachting in Southeast Asia is the lack of shore power systems at seaports. According to Carnival Corporation (2024), only about 1% of ports in the region currently offer shore power, compared to 2% globally. Shore power allows electric vessels to recharge while docked, significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions and fuel costs. However, major ports like Laem Chabang (Thailand) and Tanjung Priok (Indonesia) still primarily serve fossil fuel-powered vessels, with electrical infrastructure that remains inadequate for electric yachts. Additionally, the upfront cost of installing shore power systems is high—often reaching millions of USD per port—causing hesitation among small and medium-sized ports in Southeast Asia. The lack of standardization in technical requirements, such as voltage levels and plug types, across countries further complicates the development of a unified charging network. Lastly, many Southeast Asian ports still rely heavily on coal-powered electricity grids, undermining the environmental benefits of electric yachting.

Solutions: Strategic Investment and Collaboration

To overcome these challenges, businesses and governments must collaborate to build a supportive infrastructure ecosystem for electric yachts. A key solution is investing in fast-charging networks at major ports such as Singapore, Phuket (Thailand), and Da Nang (Vietnam). The Port of Singapore, one of the busiest in the world, began testing shore power systems for small cruise ships in 2023, with plans to expand by 2026 to support mid-sized electric vessels. According to the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA), the project aims to increase shore power capacity to 10 MW—sufficient for vessels carrying 200–500 passengers. Other regional ports, such as Da Nang, can adopt this model by deploying fast-charging stations powered by renewable energy, such as solar and wind, which are rapidly expanding in Vietnam.

Public-private partnerships (PPP) represent another vital approach. Southeast Asian governments like Vietnam and Indonesia can offer subsidies or tax incentives to encourage green infrastructure investment at ports. For example, in 2024, the Thai government announced a $50 million support package for sustainable port projects in tourist hubs like Phuket and Krabi, according to Source of Asia (2024). Yachting companies such as Ponant and Hurtigruten can collaborate with governments to share the cost of installing shore power systems while contributing technical expertise. Additionally, establishing regional standards for shore power systems—via platforms like ASEAN—will help harmonize infrastructure across borders, facilitating cross-border electric yacht routes such as Singapore to Bali or Da Nang to Phuket.

Integrating renewable energy into port power grids is also critical to maximizing the environmental benefits of electric yachts. Vietnam, with a solar energy potential of 435 GW (according to the Ministry of Industry and Trade, 2024), could prioritize clean power supply for ports like Nha Trang and Ha Long, where marine tourism is booming. Companies such as Corvus Energy, which specialize in maritime energy storage systems, are testing battery solutions at ports to ensure stable power supply for electric vessels, even during peak hours.

Case Study: Singapore’s Pioneering Port

The Port of Singapore is a leading example of infrastructure development for electric yachts. Since 2023, it has piloted a shore power system at the Marina Bay Cruise Centre, supporting small cruise ships with up to 5 MW of capacity. According to MPA, the system helped reduce emissions by 95% from docked vessels during the pilot phase. The upcoming 2026 expansion aims to upgrade the system to accommodate mid-sized electric yachts, with the goal of supplying shore power to 30% of the port’s cruise traffic. The project is a collaboration between MPA, Carnival Corporation, and technology providers such as ABB, with an estimated investment of $20 million. As a result, hybrid-electric yachts—like those from Hurtigruten—can recharge quickly, reducing docking time and operational costs. This model is inspiring other regional ports, such as Penang (Malaysia) and Da Nang (Vietnam), to pilot similar shore power initiatives.

Benefits: Greater Accessibility and Long-Term Cost Savings

Developing infrastructure for electric yachts brings significant benefits. First, shore power systems increase access to electric yachts, allowing tourism companies to expand their offerings at destinations like Ha Long Bay, Bali, and Phuket. This not only attracts premium tourists willing to pay for sustainable experiences but also positions Southeast Asia as a global hub for green marine tourism. Second, using shore power instead of diesel engines while docked can lower long-term operating costs. According to Carnival Corporation (2024), ships using shore power save up to 40% in fuel costs per docking and reduce emissions by 98%, supporting net-zero targets by 2050. Finally, green infrastructure boosts the reputation of ports and yachting businesses, attracting investment from international organizations and environmental funds, such as the ASEAN Green Fund.

Conclusion

The development of electric yachting in Southeast Asia faces significant infrastructure challenges, particularly the lack of shore power and reliance on unsustainable power grids. However, through investments in fast-charging networks, public-private collaboration, and renewable energy integration, the region can overcome these barriers and pave the way for a sustainable marine tourism future. Pioneering projects like the shore power system at the Port of Singapore demonstrate the potential of this model. To accelerate electric yachting, both businesses and governments must act now and seize the growing demand for eco-friendly tourism.