Kerala’s Water Transport Department to Unveil Solar‑Assisted Ro‑Ro Ferries in Kochi

The State Water Transportation Department (SWTD) of Kerala is gearing up to place an order for two brand‑new roll‑on/roll‑off (ro‑ro) ferries that will run on a mix of solar power and stored electricity. The plan, announced by department sources, targets a commissioning date in October 2027, with the vessels destined for the bustling Bolgatty‑Vallarpadam International Transshipment Terminal corridor.

Each ferry will be a double‑ended, double‑decked workhorse capable of hauling a total of 100 tonnes – think two 40‑foot trailer lorries, or about twenty cars, or a clever mix of both. What makes them stand out is the roof‑mounted solar array: roughly 35 kW of panels that can supply about a third of the ship’s energy needs on a sunny day.

But the solar skin is only half the story. Beneath the decks sit two 60 kW lithium‑titanate (LTO) battery packs – the same technology that powers the state’s Water Metro ferries. A full charge lets the vessels cruise for 25‑30 minutes before they need a quick top‑up, which is plenty for the short hop across the Vypeen‑Fort Kochi stretch.

Why the shift? The three diesel‑run ro‑ro ferries that currently ply the Vypeen‑Fort Kochi route are noisy and expensive to operate, a fact that has irked tourists, local commuters and the environment alike. The new electric‑solar hybrids promise a gentler ride – lower fuel costs, far less noise, and a smaller carbon footprint.

Navalt, a budding marine‑technology start‑up, has been handed the construction contract. Its chief executive, Sandith Thandasherry, says the design has already cleared the Indian Register of Shipping (IRS), and the boatyard in Alappuzha district will kick off work within the next month. "It’s a unique double‑ended ferry that really cuts down on operating and maintenance expenses," he added, with a hint of pride.

Once the ferries are in service, drivers and passengers will board through dedicated spaces, allowing vehicles and people to travel together safely. The move is seen as a significant step toward greener, more efficient water transport in Kerala’s growing maritime hub.