Opening Remarks by Mr Baey Yam Keng, Senior Parliamentary Secretary for Transport, At Pyxis’ “Our River, Reimagined”

Mr Tommy Phun, Founder of Pyxis, 

Mr Darren Tan, Director of WaterB, 

Ladies and Gentlemen, 

INTRODUCTION 

1.     Good afternoon. Thank you for inviting me and it is a pleasure to join you to launch the Pyxis-R. Today’s theme, “Our River, Reimagined”, is a fitting one for an event that bridges the past and future to shape a cleaner, smarter, and more sustainable Maritime Singapore. 

THE PAST: HERITAGE AT THE HEART OF MARITIME SINGAPORE 

2.     We are gathered at the ArtScience Museum, close to where the Singapore River once served as a hub of maritime commerce that connected Singapore to the world. Today, trade remains our lifeblood, and that same spirit of connectivity and enterprise lives on in our transformation from a colonial entrepôt to a bustling maritime hub. 

3.     We have made significant progress - from Tanjong Pagar Terminal to the bustling City Terminals, to our current Pasir Panjang Terminal, and onward to Tuas Port. When completed in the 2040s, Tuas Port will be the world’s largest fully automated container port. This constant innovation in our maritime facilities is made possible through long-term planning and visionary foresight to build ahead, and remain a leading global hub port. 

4.     Even as we move forward, we remember the legacy of our maritime pioneers. Their hard work laid the foundation for Singapore’s growth into a global maritime powerhouse. Today, we celebrate the evolution from traditional wooden bumboats to the launch of the Pyxis R – another example of transformation through innovation. 

THE PRESENT: PYXIS, A SYMBOL OF INNOVATION 

5.     Pyxis is a homegrown Greentech start-up and an active contributor to the development of green solutions for Maritime Singapore. 

6.     Over the years, Pyxis has worked closely with MPA to advance electrification technology to build up local capabilities in this area. In March last year, I attended the successful launch of Pyxis’s first fully electric port passenger vessel, “X Tron”, as part of the Pyxis One series. 

a.     Pyxis also submitted designs for electric harbour crafts under MPA’s call for Expression of Interest, three of which have been shortlisted and have undergone successful design enhancements in collaboration with local research institutes. 

b.      To build up the charging ecosystem for electric harbour crafts, Pyxis has introduced a public electric harbour craft charger at Marina South Pier, in collaboration with SP Mobility, as part of a pilot trial. 

7.     Pyxis has also closely supported the development of local maritime talent necessary for the transition to electrification. It has signed a Letter of Collaboration with the Institute of Technical Education (ITE) in the field of Human Capital Development in Electrification, Clean Energies and Green Skills for the Maritime and Marine & Offshore Industries and is jointly developing courses with ITE. 

THE FUTURE: REIMAGINING OUR RIVER FOR GENERATIONS TO COME 

8.     Today, I would like to congratulate Pyxis and WaterB on the successful launch of the Pyxis R, Singapore’s first solar-powered, smart electric cruise. The vessel will feature pioneering Vehicle-To-Grid technology, allowing the ferry to not only charge from the power grid but also return excess energy generated by solar panels, supporting a more resilient and efficient energy ecosystem. 

a.      Pyxis R will also be fully integrated with Electra, Pyxis’ ecosystem platform to allow for real-time route optimisation and AI-powered smart charging. 

b.      This vessel is a testament to our maritime sector’s ability to blend tradition with cutting-edge technology, demonstrating that clean energy solutions can be both functional and commercially viable. 

CONCLUSION: A CELEBRATION OF INNOVATION AND SUSTAINABILITY 

10.    As we step aboard Pyxis R, we are not just witnessing the launch of a new vessel – we are part of a new future that is cleaner, smarter, and more sustainable. 

11.    I would like to congratulate Pyxis, WaterB, and all partners involved again for your commitment to innovation, sustainability, and the reimagination of our waterways. 

12.    Thank you and I wish you all a wonderful evening ahead.