India-based shipbuilder Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers Ltd (GRSE) has successfully launched a cutting-edge battery-powered electric ferry for the West Bengal government.
The unveiling ceremony for Dheu took place in Kolkata recently.
Constructed under the Indian Register of Shipping (IRS) classification, the vessel boasts an aluminum hull and a FRP superstructure.
With a catamaran design, the vessel can accommodate up to 150 passengers.
Designed specifically for the Government of West Bengal, the 24-meter-long (79-feet) Dheu features twin hulls and is equipped with a 246 kW capacity liquid-cooled battery system. This system can be charged either from a shore-based source or via deck-mounted solar panels generating 18 kW per hour. Additionally, the ferry incorporates an efficient energy management system, utilizing solar power to achieve speeds of up to 10 knots through two 50 kW electric propulsion motors.
In terms of safety, the vessel is outfitted with a 50 kW Emergency DG set, ensuring continuous lighting and power during emergencies.
Constructed in accordance with IRS Guidelines for Battery Powered Vessels, Dheu signifies a significant step towards green energy adoption in maritime transportation, effectively eliminating carbon emissions typically associated with diesel engines, as per IRS.
The new ferry is scheduled to undergo sea trials before being delivered to the West Bengal government.
Previously, GRSE collaborated with Shift Energy Group, SeaTech Solutions International, and the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) to develop electric tugs named E-VOLT 50.
This initiative aligns with India's ambitious goal of establishing itself as the 'Global Hub for Green Shipbuilding' by 2030.