Latest news with #Blueshark
The Sun
14-07-2025
- Automotive
- The Sun
Blueshark aims to have over 50 battery swapping stations nationwide by mid-2026 in tie-up with Petronas
SHAH ALAM: Blueshark Ecosystem Sdn Bhd, in partnership with Petronas Dagangan Bhd, aims to expand its network of battery swap stations from 20 to more than 50 nationwide by the middle of next year, in a push to accelerate electric vehicle (EV) adoption in Malaysia. Each battery swap station costs about RM50,000, with expenses shared between Blueshark and Petroliam Nasional Bhd (Petronas), Blueshark CEO Jeff Chong told SunBiz in an interview. A joint venture agreement was signed on May 9, aimed at accelerating the adoption of electric two-wheelers in Malaysia. Blueshark holds a 51% stake and Petronas Dagangan the remaining 49% in the joint venture. Chong said the planned expansion is based on the expected uptake of Blueshark's e-bikes. 'We are very confident that this year we will see at least tenfold growth compared to last year,' he said, adding that this growth supports the targeted number of new stations. 'We don't want too many stations that end up underused. We need to ensure a good return on investment (ROI),' he added. The rollout will initially focus on the Klang Valley, Johor and Penang. 'We will prioritise these three areas first because our bike population is concentrated in these cities,' Chong said. He noted that the strategic partnership with Petronas enhances brand trust and broadens market reach. 'Petronas is one of the top five most cash-rich companies in Southeast Asia and a national brand in Malaysia.' Chong said Petronas' network of more than 1,000 stations nationwide offers Blueshark wide coverage. 'Placing our battery swap stations at Petronas stations makes it much easier and more convenient for customers.' Chong highlighted that many Petronas stations are already installing rooftop solar panels, which could eventually power the battery swap infrastructure. 'This would allow us to offer a fully clean energy, net-zero emissions solution.': He pointed out that Petronas' strong business-to-business network would support Blueshark's growth in the commercial segment. 'We are also collaborating with Mesra to create a point system to benefit customers. There's a lot of synergy in working together,' he added. Future plans include opening Blueshark showrooms at Petronas stations and launching joint promotions via Petronas and the Setel app. Chong expressed hope that the upcoming national budget would continue to support two-wheeler EV adoption. 'The carbon emissions from two motorbikes are equivalent to those of one car. So, if the government supports two-wheelers, the ROI is better and emissions can be reduced more effectively,' he said. The current RM2,400 subsidy for electric cars has minimal impact on middle- and high-income groups, he opined. 'For them, the amount is too small to make an impact. But if you apply a RM2,400 subsidy to e-bikes, you can help the B40 group and achieve better environmental outcomes with a relatively small investment.' Chong cited data showing that motorcycles emit about 103 grams of carbon per passenger per kilometre, compared to 192 grams for cars. 'If the government wants to address this issue effectively, it should focus on bikes rather than cars. The ROI will be higher, especially considering Malaysia has almost 15 million bikes on the road,' he said. Chong called for more green funding to support industry growth, noting that Malaysia's adoption of electric two-wheelers remains relatively low compared to countries like Thailand and Vietnam, where supportive policies and stronger demand have driven growth. 'Right now, there isn't much funding or support to grow this sector. The government should consider this,' he said.
Western Telegraph
25-05-2025
- Business
- Western Telegraph
Thousand Islands fishing and wildlife trips out of Fishguard
Thousand Island Expeditions has been running tourist trips along the north Pembrokeshire coast from Fishguard to Strumble Head for some years now. This summer the company is adding fishing trips to its repertoire, giving guests the chance to fish for mackerel and more off the north Pembrokeshire coast. (Image: Stephen Andrews) The trips will run on the company's Blue Shark boat; a 33ft Lochin Sport Fisher, built to a high commercial specification by Lochin Marine and renowned for its fantastic seakeeping characteristics. Onboard amenities include a toilet, and facilities for making hot drinks The outings are suitable for families, large groups, first time fishers and for more experienced anglers. Thousand Islands supplies everything needed for the trips, so all passengers have to do is worry about catching their dinner. (Image: Darcy Lawrey) Blue shark is the only dedicated fishing charter vessel within the area and offers a range of fishing trips which are suitable for all abilities and experience levels. There are longer, full day trips over the weekend, and shorter trips throughout the week in the fully equipped Blue Shark, manned by an experienced skipper and crew members who have a vast knowledge about the waters and fishing. Due to the closure of St Justinian's slipway, this season all fishing trips will be running from Fishguard Harbour. 'We are pleased to announce an exciting update for the 2025 season,' said Thousand Island Expeditions. 'This season, we will be using our traditional vessel, Blue Shark, for the Fishguard Bay and Strumble head wildlife trips, but also, we will be now running our popular fishing charters from Fishguard. 'For the keen fishers out there, we supply everything for your trips, so all you have to do is worry about catching your dinner.' For those not bothered about fishing for their supper, Thousand Islands will also be running wildlife viewing trips out of Fishguard Harbour. The fully guided, one-and-a-half-hour boat trip will delve into the fascinating history of the Fishguard port and town, before heading off on an exploration along the coast towards Strumble Head. Visitors will view the fascinating prehistoric rock formations and an abundance of remarkable wildlife on this stretch of coast, as well as the landing site of the last invasion of Britain. Among the wildlife that can be spotted are auks, kittiwakes, and fulmars, gannets, chough and peregrine falcon as well as Atlantic grey seals, harbour porpoises common and bottlenose dolphins, and occasionally Risso's dolphin. These excursions, suitable for all ages, will operate regularly from Fishguard throughout the summer season, running from 8am to 6pm, subject to demand. For more information ring 01437721721, email info@ or visit linked above.
New Straits Times
13-05-2025
- Automotive
- New Straits Times
Petronas Dagangan, Blueshark to drive adoption of two-wheel EVs
KUALA LUMPUR: Petronas Dagangan Bhd and Blueshark Ecosystem Sdn Bhd have formed a joint venture (JV) to advance the distribution and adoption of electric two-wheelers (2W-EV) and related energy solutions in Malaysia. Through Blueshark, the JV will serve as the exclusive distributor of Blueshark-branded 2W-EVs in Malaysia, including the Soloera model. It will also operate battery-swapping services at selected Petronas stations. The infrastructure is already operational in the Klang Valley, Penang and Johor, with phased expansion plans underway. Petronas Dagangan managing director and chief executive officer Azrul Osman Rani said the JV reflects how the company is evolving as a progressive energy and solutions partner – committed to shaping new possibilities for everyday mobility. "With Blueshark as our partner, and the strength of our brand, network and operational excellence behind us, we are well-positioned to build a future-ready ecosystem that delivers real value on the ground," he said in a statement. Sharkgulf Technologies Group Ltd – the original product developer and technology provider for the Blueshark platform – supplies the JV with smart battery systems, connected powertrains and software integration capabilities. In parallel, the JV has formalised an agreement with EP Manufacturing Bhd (EPMB) wholly-owned EP Blueshark Sdn Bhd as the local assembler of the 2W-EV. Blueshark group CEO Jeff Chong said the JV will strengthen the whole electric two-wheeler ecosystem for Malaysia and accelerate EV adoption while reducing carbon emissions for a greener future. "Together with Petronas Dagangan and our partners, we hope to someday become a household brand for electromobility in Malaysia and beyond. "With our aggressive expansion strategy, enhanced infrastructure and strong industry partnerships, the significant step we take today will enable us to mobilise Malaysia towards a brighter future, led by Petronas and Blueshark," said Chong.
