SWTD’s green energy transition gains momentum

Aditya is a solar-powered ferry operating between Vaikom and Thavanakkadavu.

The State Water Transport department (SWTD) will introduce more solar-powered vessels with varying passenger capacities as part of its plan to transition 50% of its passenger boat fleet to green energy. In the initial phase, two 30-seater crafts will be launched in January 2025.

Officials say the vessels have successfully completed initial trial runs. They will undergo another set of trials under the supervision of a technical committee in the coming days. “Our plan is to launch two boats by mid-January after obtaining registration from the Ports department and securing Indian Register of Shipping certification,” says Shaji V. Nair, Director, SWTD.

While the specific routes of the boats have not been finalised, they are expected to operate on routes with lower passenger volumes and limited transportation facilities. The SWTD plans to introduce 15 solar vessels in the coming months. Each 30-seater craft costs around ₹2 crore. In the next phase, vessels with 75 and 100-passenger capacities will be launched. “We plan to launch one or two solar boats every month depending on fund availability,” Mr. Nair adds.

Success of Aditya

The decision to switch 50% of ferry boats to solar power in five years was announced in the State Budget for 2022-23. The SWTD’s shift to green energy was inspired by the success of Aditya, the solar-powered ferry operating between Vaikom and Thavanakkadavu. Transitioning from diesel to solar will contribute to a cleaner environment while significantly reducing operational costs.

On average, operating a diesel-powered boat costs the department between ₹10,000 and ₹12,000 daily. In contrast, the daily operational cost of a solar-powered boat is significantly lower at approximately ₹500. Currently, the department transports passengers at subsidised rates, but the introduction of solar boats is expected to bring an end to the issue of subsidy..

The SWTD, operating around 60 passenger vessels, serves the traffic needs of the people in waterlogged areas of Alappuzha, Ernakulam, Kottayam, Kollam, Kannur and Kasaragod, transporting over 1.5 crore passengers annually.