E-boat strengthening efforts of Sarawak towards green transport

Sarawak Transport Minister Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin said the initiative is in line with the state government's commitment to expand renewable energy use and green technologies, including in the water transport sector which is essential for connecting rural and rural areas.

"While the focus on green technology use in the land transport sector is increasing, Sarawak also sees the need to explore cleaner technologies in the water transport sector.

"The development of these electric-powered boats is in line with Sarawak's commitment to expand the use of renewable energy and green technologies to ensure environmental sustainability as well as support the development of a more sustainable transport system in the future", he said.

He said this during a media briefing after the Board of Submission of Boat License and River Transport Permits (RTP) for Sarawak Energy Berhad's electric boats here, on Wednesday.

The 10-meter-long boat will be used at Batang Ai Dam to support dam safety inspection, environmental monitoring, staff transportation and visits to floating solar farms.

The e-boat is equipped with a 40 kilowatt (kW) electric motor, 92 kilowatt-hour (kWh) battery and a 3.6 kW rooftop solar panel to help charge the batteries.

The boat is estimated to be capable of traveling a distance of 40 to 50 kilometers with an operating time of about three to four hours. The batteries can be charged using a grid power supply, while solar panels help to increase energy during operation.

According to Lee, the project continues Sarawak's efforts to explore electric water transport technology, including experience gained through the e-Miner project.

He said the operational experience would help assess the performance and reliability of the boats, charging and maintenance requirements, as well as the compatibility of the technology with local river conditions before its use is expanded.

He said the boats were built and installed locally in Sibu, while Sarawak Energy was responsible for integrating electrical dredging system as well as related electrical components.

The partnership demonstrates the potential of the local boat building industry to combine existing expertise with electric dredging technology, thus opening up new opportunities for Sarawak's marine industry as demand for cleaner water transportation increases.

Lee stressed that safety aspects should remain a priority, including compliance with maritime security requirements, boat registration, licensing and operating permits.

He said that the Sarawak Ministry of Transport will continue to work with the Sarawak Rivers Board (LSS), the Malaysian Department of Maritime Affairs and related agencies to ensure the safe, orderly and regulatory implementation of the new technology.

The experience of using the e-boat will also be a basis for assessing its suitability for other uses taking into account operating distances, charging facilities, river conditions, passenger safety and cost effectiveness.

He also appreciated the agencies involved for their cooperation in facilitating the process of issuing boat licenses and River Transport Permits, as well as congratulating Sarawak Energy Berhad on this initiative.

Lee hopes the project will provide valuable experience and serve as a foundation for the development of more sustainable water transport solutions in Sarawak. -TVS