Aditya, India’s first solar-powered ferry, was launched in January 2017, marking a significant advancement in eco-friendly water transportation. Designed and constructed by NavAlt Solar and Electric Boats, the vessel operates on the Vaikom-Thavanakkadavu route in Kerala.
Dimensions and Capacity: The ferry measures approximately 20 meters in length and 7 meters in width, accommodating up to 75 passengers.
Solar Power Utilization: Equipped with 140 square meters of solar panels rated at 20 kW, Aditya harnesses solar energy to power its twin 20 kW electric motors. This setup enables a cruising speed of about 5.5 knots, with a maximum speed of 7.5 knots.
Operational Efficiency: On a typical sunny day, the ferry can operate for over six hours without external charging, relying primarily on solar energy. This results in significantly lower operating costs compared to traditional diesel-powered ferries.
By replacing conventional diesel engines with solar-electric propulsion, Aditya has achieved substantial environmental benefits:
Fuel Savings: The ferry saves approximately 35,000 liters of diesel annually.
Emission Reductions: This translates to a reduction of about 94 tonnes of CO₂ emissions each year, contributing to improved air quality and a decrease in the carbon footprint associated with water transport.
Aditya’s innovative design and environmental contributions have garnered international acclaim:
In 2020, it received the Gustave Trouvé Award for the world’s best electric ferry.
The Solar Impulse Foundation awarded it the Efficient Solution Label, recognizing it as a profitable and eco-friendly solution.
It was listed among the Significant Small Ships of 2017 by the Royal Institute of Naval Architects, UK.
Aditya stands as a testament to India’s commitment to sustainable and innovative transportation solutions, setting a benchmark for future endeavors in green maritime technology.
