Kerala is gearing up for the launch of the country’s premier
solar-powered cruise boat.
The initiative comes from the State Water Transport Department (SWTD), whose
solar ferry Aditya in the Vaikom-Thavanakadavu route proved to be a success.
The ₹3-crore cruise boat can carry 100 passengers is under construction at a
boatyard in Aroor and comes from the stable of the builders of Aditya.
It will be rolled out in Alappuzha in December.
The hybrid vessel will be powered by a motor that can source energy from solar
panels, battery, and generator.
Its battery will have 80 KWh (kilowatt hour) power backup, as compared to 50
KWh backup in Aditya.
About Low Energy Force
Aditya incurs a rock-bottom energy expense of ₹200 a day compared to the
approximately ₹8,000 needed for diesel-powered ferries.
Solar vessels do not create air and noise pollution.
The double-deck, double-engine catamaran-type vessel adheres to norms specified
by the Indian Registry of Shipping (IRS).
The vessel will have an air-conditioned lower deck and pushback seats, he said.
The upper deck, which is non-air conditioned, can be used for dining and to get
a better view of the backwaters.
