Kerala’s SWTD to Roll Out Part‑Solar, Electric Ro‑Ro Ferries in Kochi

The State Water Transportation Department (SWTD) of Kerala is gearing up to add two cutting‑edge ferries to its fleet, and the excitement is palpable. Slated for a October 2027 launch, these vessels will operate on the bustling Bolgatty‑Vallarpadam International Transshipment Terminal corridor, shuttling goods and passengers across the waterway with a much greener foot‑print.

What makes these ferries stand out is their hybrid power set‑up. Each boat will sport a roof‑top array of solar panels capable of generating roughly 35 kW – enough to cover about 30 % of the ship’s daily energy appetite. The remainder comes from a pair of 60 kW lithium‑titanate (LTO) batteries, similar to those used on the Water Metro fleet. In practice, the ferries can cruise for 25‑30 minutes on a single charge before needing a quick top‑up, a schedule that dovetails nicely with the short hop between Bolgatty and Vallarpadam.

In terms of payload, the new ro‑ro (roll‑on‑roll‑off) designs are robust yet flexible. They can lug two 40‑foot trailer trucks, or accommodate up to 20 cars, or a mix of both, all while providing a dedicated space for drivers and passengers to travel together. The double‑ended layout means the ferry needn’t turn around – it simply sails in, unloads, and sails out the other way, saving precious minutes.

Why the shift from diesel? The three existing ro‑ro ferries that ply the Vypeen‑Fort Kochi corridor run on diesel engines, spewing noise and fumes that have drawn complaints from tourists and local businesses alike. Their operating costs are also noticeably higher than what an electric‑solar combo promises. By slashing fuel consumption and muting engine roar, the new ferries aim to offer a quieter, cleaner ride for everyone.

The vessels will be built by Navalt, a budding marine‑technology start‑up, at a boatyard in Alappuzha district. Navalt’s chief executive, Sandith Thandasherry, says the design has already cleared the Indian Register of Shipping’s (IRS) rigorous approval process, underscoring its safety and seaworthiness.

When the ferries finally glide into service, they’ll not only mark a technological first for Kerala’s inland waterways but also set a benchmark for sustainable maritime transport across India. Residents can look forward to smoother, quieter crossings, while the state takes a tangible step toward greener logistics.