With maritime emissions projected to increase fivefold by 2050, the global maritime industry faces an urgent need for decarbonisation. This challenge is particularly pressing in the coastal maritime sector where over 60,000 vessels in the Asia-Pacific region continue to operate with outdated, inefficient engines, contributing significantly to emissions and operational inefficiencies.

Recognising the urgency of this problem, Pyxis was founded to drive the transition from traditional, fossil-fuel-powered vessels to electric alternatives. By reducing emissions and enhancing operational efficiency, Pyxis is transforming the coastal maritime sector. Backed by a network of 250 coastal vessels and 1,000 maritime professionals, Pyxis is paving the way for a more sustainable future with its comprehensive suite of solutions including electric vessel manufacturing, an IoT-enabled digital platform (Electra), and charging infrastructure (Energy). 

The Founding Story

The roots of Pyxis trace back to the early life of its founder, Tommy Phun, whose inspiration came from his grandfather, a boatman navigating the bustling Singapore River. As a child, Tommy spent his formative years immersed in the maritime world, exploring shipyards, and roaming the wheelhouse and galley of ships – his playground amidst the hustle of Singapore’s maritime activity.

Fig. 1. (Top image) Tommy Phun’s grandfather who was a boatman. (Bottom image) Young Tommy Phun (Founder and CEO of Pyxis) who spent his formative years around ships and shipyards.

This early exposure to the maritime industry gave Tommy a deep understanding of its challenges and pain points, laying the foundation for his ambition to transform the sector. Combining his maritime upbringing with a decade of experience at his family’s business, Eng Hup Shipping, Tommy founded Pyxis to tackle pressing sustainability challenges and guide the industry toward greener alternatives.

Fig. 2. Pyxis’ Founder and CEO, Tommy Phun.

While electric vessels quickly became central to Pyxis’ strategy, with a key focus on replacing the ageing, diesel-powered fleets, Tommy soon realised that manufacturing these vessels alone wouldn't drive widespread adoption. Operators needed more than just electric vessels – they required accessible charging infrastructure and digital tools to maximise operational efficiency.

This insight led to the development of two key solutions: Electra, Pyxis’ proprietary IoT-enabled platform designed to optimise vessel operations and productivity, and Energy, Pyxis’ charging infrastructure to support the transition to electric vessels.

By building this holistic ecosystem – combining electric vessel manufacturing with Electra and Energy – Pyxis positioned itself not just as a vessel manufacturer, but as a one-stop provider for the coastal maritime sector’s transition to electrification.

Early Beginnings

In its early days, Pyxis was driven by founder Tommy Phun and his team, who dedicated countless hours to developing innovative solutions for transforming the maritime industry. However, convincing traditional maritime business owners of the benefits of transitioning to an electric fleet was no easy feat. Many operators were deeply entrenched in long-established practices and were hesitant to adopt new technologies.

Through extensive discussions and close collaboration with these business owners, Tommy and his team managed to break through these barriers. They not only persuaded a number of business owners but also inspired seasoned maritime veterans – some in their 70s – to become ambassadors for Pyxis. These veterans, once sceptics themselves, are now champions of a greener, digitalised future for maritime, eager to pass their legacies to the next generation.

Beyond their role as external advocates, these veterans bring invaluable industry knowledge to Pyxis, helping the company identify key challenges faced by traditional operators. For example, they highlighted inefficiencies in fuel consumption, vessel downtime, and the need to increase the operating performance of their fleet. These insights were instrumental in shaping the solutions that Pyxis offers today, ensuring that they address real-world pain points and provide meaningful change.

Fig. 3. A series of screenshots showcasing Electra in operation, providing information on charging and vessel location, battery status, rainfall intensity, and more. 

Growth and Evolution

Pyxis has cultivated a robust network of maritime companies and coastal vessels. With an order book of 13 vessels, the company has demonstrated its ability to grow while remaining committed to maritime electrification. A significant testament to the team’s progress is the strategic partnerships they have formed with industry leaders, such as Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL), which shares Pyxis' vision for sustainability. MOL, the first company in Japan’s ocean shipping industry to target net-zero GHG emissions by 2050, stands as a key partner in Pyxis’ journey toward greener maritime solutions.

“We are pleased to conclude the MOU with Pyxis, which is committed to the introduction and expansion of EV vessels in Singapore. This memorandum marks an important step for both companies in making a significant impact on the shipping industry. Promoting EV vessels as a solution to environmental issues is just one way forward. We believe that working with partners who share our ambition is essential to achieving this goal,” said Nobuo Shiotsu, Senior Managing Executive Officer of MOL.

A major milestone in Pyxis' journey was the launch of its first fully electric vessel, the X Tron, in March 2024. The event drew participation from key partners, including the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA), along with business owners, signalling Pyxis' broader ambitions to expand its reach beyond Singapore. With a growing fleet and strong alliances, Pyxis is confident in its ability to lead the charge in the maritime industry's decarbonisation efforts, laying a strong foundation for its future aspirations.

Looking Ahead

Pyxis envisions leading the maritime industry into a new era of efficiency, innovation, and environmental responsibility. With a strong focus on expanding coastal maritime electrification across the Asia-Pacific region, Pyxis is setting its sights on key markets, including Japan, Indonesia, and Australia.

As they continue to scale, Tommy and the Pyxis team remain committed to learning, unlearning, and adapting in response to the rapid transformation of the maritime sector. This agile approach ensures that their products evolve to meet the real-world needs of their partners and customers, maintaining functionality and practicality in a fast-changing landscape.

The company is actively seeking collaborations with vessel owners, shipyards, terminal service providers, and ship suppliers who are ready to enhance efficiency and drive innovation in their operations. For those interested in exploring the possibilities of decarbonising coastal maritime services, Pyxis invites you to visit their website or contact Tommy directly at tommy.phun@thepyxis.co for further discussions.