ST Engineering’s joint venture company with Peluca, now known as AirX, is set to collaborate with the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) for trials involving AirX’s AirFish Wing-in-Ground (WIG) craft in Singapore. The AirFish prototypes, including the single-engine and dual-engine AirFish 8 models capable of seating up to eight passengers, will undergo testing. These vessels operate just above the sea surface using ground effect, following guidelines set by the International Maritime Organization. WIG craft adhere to collision avoidance rules similar to conventional ships but offer greater speed, fuel efficiency, and sustainability.
The collaboration with MPA signifies a significant step in exploring the potential of WIG technology in maritime transportation and logistics services. AirX will collaborate with MPA to identify a trial area off Changi, Singapore, ensuring minimal disruption to port operations during trials. These trials, expected to commence in the third quarter of 2024 and occur twice monthly, will contribute to establishing an Engineering and Certification Centre of Excellence for WIG in Singapore, attracting professionals to the maritime domain.