Bangkok boats bolster e-mobility

The International Finance Corporation (IFC) has announced that it is joining hands with Chao Phraya Express Boat (CPX), a transportation service in Thailand, to expand e-mobility on Chao Phraya, one of Bangkok’s main waterways.

Over the next 12 months, the IFC will work with CPX to develop bankable and sustainable investment projects. This will include procuring and operating electric boats.

CPX will purchase 30 electric boats to ferry people on Chao Phraya, seating 250 passengers each, while gradually phasing out its fleet of diesel boats.

“In order to achieve our goal and to support government initiatives, we have been working with the leading companies in the industry to research on the viability of e-boats for mass transit and are now ready to make our transition forward,” stated Supapan Pichaironarongsongkram, chairperson of CPX and Supatra Group.

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“Working with IFC…marks a significant step for us in achieving a sustainable transportation infrastructure for the marine industry and reaching international standards for Thailand,” Pichaironarongsongkram added.

The aim of the partnership is to help CPX develop environmental, safety and social best practices. It will also allow the city to lessen road congestion and air pollution, reduce greenhouse-gas (GHG) emissions and support the country’s climate goals.

“A collaborative effort across public and private sectors is key to tackling climate change. By supporting a locally established market player, IFC hopes to increase market competitiveness and encourage more companies in Thailand to make sustainable investments and create green jobs,” said Jane Yuan Xu, country manager for Thailand and Myanmar, IFC.

CPX’s express operations are connected to the Bangkok Mass Transit System (BTS) and the Metropolitan Rapid Transit (MRT) stations. It is reportedly an integral part of Bangkok’s public transport system, carrying an average of 10 million passengers annually.

The electric boats will be the first in the country, in line with the government’s initiative to boost the country’s electric vehicle (EV) industry and reach its net-zero carbon emissions target by 2050.