India’s first solar ferry saves 58,000 litres of diesel in two years

ADITYA, first sun-powered ferry manufactured in India by NavAlt, has contended its two years (730 days) effective activity in Vaikom, Kerala. The solar-powered transport ferry was manufactured (under Make in India initiative) by NavAlt Solar and Electric Boats, which expects to make water transport progressively effective. ADITYA was introduced in January 2017 by Pinarayi Vijayan, Chief Minister of Kerala and Piyush Goyal, former Cabinet Minister for New and Renewable Energy, Power. The Solar Boat was launched for transportation purpose with a capacity of 75 passengers in Kerala. NavAlt stated that it has helped to save Rs 40 lakh on cost of diesel, which is equivalent to 58,000 litres in a span of two years.

The quantity of daily commuters, which ADITYA drove in a range of 730 days is a total of 6,40,000 passengers) and has voyaged 38,500 kms. This means income of Rs 6,000 every day and in 2 years is an absolute income of Rs 43.8 lakhs. The main cost that the department has caused over the two years of running is the power charge, an aggregate of Rs 1.31 lakhs. The all-out savings is about Rs 40,80,000.

Sandith Thandasherry, Founder and CEO, Navalt Solar and Electric Boats Pvt Ltd. stated, “It is an exceptionally glad minute for us that our flagship product ‘ADITYA’ successfully completed its two years, which is India’s first sun-powered ferry. It wouldn’t have been conceivable without the support of our technical team, partners and government who kept confidence and provided us with this opportunity. It is indeed an honourable moment for and we are expressing our gratitude toward the Kerala Government for keeping their trust in NavAlt and by giving their reliable help. We are anticipating working with other state governments in the near future”.

He further added, “In our guide ahead, NavAlt has plans to present fishing boat, hydrogen fuel cell boat, carbon fibre application, solar plus wind delight maritime yacht. We are as of now taking a shot at bringing another and refined variants of ADITYA. Aside from this NavAlt is committed on dealing with RoRo vessels and RoPax vessels (car/truck bearers) and high-speed hybrid boats of comparable or higher limits (12 Knots speed). I trust individuals will comprehend that it isn’t only a first in the historical backdrop of water transport in India, but also a first in the history of energy and is a journey to a more sustainable world is just beginning”.