PSA Singapore Decarbonization Technologies Program

PSA Singapore, one of the world’s busiest container ports, provides a strong Southeast Asian example of energy infrastructure and transition readiness within a port environment. As part of Singapore’s broader maritime decarbonization strategy and the development of Tuas Port, PSA has deployed a range of technologies designed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and local air pollutants from port operations while maintaining operational efficiency. Recognizing that a complete transition to zero-emission technologies will take time, PSA has adopted a staged approach that combines lower-emission fuels, electrification, energy storage systems, and intelligent energy management technologies to reduce emissions from existing operations.

A major source of emissions within container terminals is cargo handling and horizontal transport equipment, including prime movers, cranes, and support vehicles that traditionally rely on diesel fuel. To address this challenge, PSA introduced Singapore’s first LNG refuelling kiosk and progressively deployed LNG-powered prime movers within its terminal operations. While liquefied natural gas (LNG) is not a zero-carbon fuel, PSA estimates that it can reduce the carbon footprint of terminal transport operations by up to 20% compared with conventional diesel-powered equipment. This approach allows immediate emissions reductions without requiring the complete replacement of existing operational systems. PSA is also evaluating electric and hydrogen-powered prime movers as future technology pathways.

In parallel, PSA has invested in terminal electrification and renewable energy technologies. Solar photovoltaic systems have been installed at PSA’s facilities, including Pasir Panjang Terminal and Tuas Port, generating renewable electricity that reduces reliance on grid-supplied power and fossil fuel consumption. PSA estimates that these systems reduce carbon emissions by more than 2,200 tonnes a year (PSA Singapore, n.d.). To further improve energy efficiency, PSA implemented a Smart Grid Management System (SGMS) that uses artificial intelligence to operate battery energy storage and other distributed energy resources, such as on-site solar.

An additional innovation is PSA’s deployment of Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS). The batteries store electricity and provide power during periods of peak demand, reducing volatility in PSA Singapore's energy load profile. Battery storage on its own does not guarantee greenhouse gas savings; the effect depends on when the batteries are charged and from which sources. Combined with on-site solar and smart energy management, it can support future electrification. Rather than focusing on a single technology, PSA’s strategy demonstrates how multiple emissions reduction technologies can operate together as a transitional pathway towards long-term decarbonization.

PSA has also collaborated with Pacific International Lines (PIL) on low-carbon logistics trials combining biofuel-powered vessel operations, electrified port equipment and container barging. PSA and PIL reported a biofuel shipment trial in 2024 using a blend of 24 percent used cooking oil with very low sulphur fuel oil (PSA and PIL, 2024). The published release does not provide sufficient calculation detail to use its reported emissions-reduction percentage as a general result for the blended fuel, the entire voyage or PSA’s port operations.

The PSA Singapore case study highlights how energy infrastructure and transition readiness can provide meaningful near-term environmental benefits where full electrification or alternative fuel adoption remains constrained. Through LNG-powered equipment, renewable energy systems, battery storage technologies, intelligent energy management, and low-carbon operational pilots, PSA illustrates a pathway for reducing emissions while maintaining the productivity expected of a major international port. These technologies serve as transitional solutions that help bridge the gap between traditional port operations and future zero-emission port environments.