By zhanqun1 
Malaysia’s maritime industry has reached a new milestone in sustainable development, as Keyfield International successfully installs the country’s largest solar photovoltaic system on a workboat. This groundbreaking achievement not only enhances energy efficiency but also contributes significantly to corporate carbon reduction goals.
Record-Breaking Solar Installation
This move propels the flagship vessel, Keyfield Wisdom-which offers accommodations for as many as 500 personnel-together with a newly integrated solar power and energy storage system to 121.2kWp, taking onboard generator hours down and CO2 production accordingly, an essential move towards the green maritime.
The Keyfield Wisdom has been accorded a place in the Malaysian Book of Records as the nation’s offshore vessel with the most extensive solar panel and storage system. This recognition epitomizes Keyfield’s leading role in pioneering sustainable solutions within the maritime sector.
“This solar photovoltaic project aligns with our strategy to enhance energy efficiency while meeting our clients’ sustainability needs,” said Mohd Erwan Ahmad, Chief Operating Officer and Executive Director of Keyfield Group. He emphasized the dual benefits of reducing carbon emissions and cutting operational costs.
Driving Change in the Oil and Gas Sector
Keyfield International is a company that was established in 2013. It deals with ship leasing and onboard services such as accommodation, catering, and laundry. The company’s major clients are major players in the oil and gas industry in Malaysia, including Petronas, Sarawak Shell, and Sabah Shell Petroleum.
Following the current global energy transition trends, Keyfield Group will expand its solar photovoltaic initiatives to more vessels within the fleet. The proactive approach continues to show similarity in effort with other industry giants moving towards renewable energy to reduce carbon footprints.
Greater Industry Effort
Malaysia’s oil and gas sector is gradually incorporating sustainable practices. For example, Petronas’ renewable energy arm, Gentari Renewables, has collaborated with Solarvest to install solar panels at over 300 petrol stations across the country. Similarly, Shell plans to complete the deployment of solar panels at all its petrol stations in Malaysia by 2027, which could help reduce carbon emissions by 5,035 tons annually.
Moreover, Shell’s Timi platform in Sarawak—an unmanned gas production facility—has been utilizing a hybrid solar and wind energy system since 2023. This shift underscores the sector’s commitment to achieving net-zero energy goals.
A Green Horizon for Maritime Operations
The record-breaking project by Keyfield International forms a giant step for Malaysia’s maritime industry into the future. The adoption of renewable energy technologies by the company will not only keep its pace with the rest of the world in matters of sustainability but also set it as a model for others. In its ambitions to expand its solar initiatives, Keyfield has been at the forefront in giving the maritime and oil and gas industry a greener future.