Asia/Pacific News
India's First Solar Powered Ferry Expected to Launch in August
A 75-seater solar powered passenger ferry is expected to have an August launch in Southern India, according to NavAlt, the India-based company who is building the vessel.
With construction of the vessel almost complete, it will eventually be operated by the Kerala State Water Transport Department.
The vessel will be India's first solar powered ferry, and be capable of cruising at 7.5 knots for five to six hours on the 2.5 km Vaikkom-Thavanakkadavu route.
The ferry will feature 20 kW Solar Panels, a 40 kW motor, and a 50 kWh lithium battery array.
The premium for making the vessel solar powered, rather than having diesel engines, was reported to be INR 2 million ($30,000), but the solar ferry is expected to make savings of INR 3 million ($45,000) per year in bunker costs.
