Vaikom Ferry Terminal Now Uses Solar Power for Boats

The ferry terminal in Vaikom, Kerala is changing to use solar power. They are adding solar panels and getting new boats that run on the sun. This is good for the environment and will save money.
By Newsroom | Environment, India |

A significant shift is underway in Vaikom, Kerala, as the local ferry terminal embarks on a comprehensive transition to solar energy. This initiative aims to establish Vaikom as the state's first fully solar-powered ferry terminal, with new solar-powered boats and upgraded shore facilities. The move signals a commitment to greener transportation and aims to reduce operational costs and environmental impact.

Timeline and Key Actors

The transition involves several phases:

  • Existing Infrastructure: Work has commenced on installing solar panels on the existing terminal building. This initial step is estimated to cost around ₹30 lakh.

  • New Terminal Construction: A new terminal building is planned, designed to maximize solar panel installation for a "zero-energy" goal. This construction is budgeted at approximately ₹50 lakh.

  • Fleet Conversion: The Kerala State Water Transport Department (SWTD) plans to replace its current fleet with solar-powered vessels.

  • Steel boats on the Vaikom-Tavanakadavu route are slated for replacement within the next three to four months.

  • The SWTD aims to convert half of its fleet to solar power and induct at least one solar boat per month this year.

  • By the end of the current year, a total of 22 boats are targeted for conversion to solar power.

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Key Figures and Organizations:

  • Kerala State Water Transport Department (SWTD): The primary agency driving this project.

  • Aditya Solar Ferry: Identified as the country's first solar-powered ferry, serving as a precedent and inspiration for the Vaikom project.

  • Navalt: The designer and builder of the Aditya solar-electric ferry.

  • Union Minister of State (I/c) for Power, Coal and New & Renewable Energy: Representing central government interest in clean energy initiatives.

  • Shri. Pinarayi Vijayan: Mentioned in relation to the Aditya ferry's operational context.

Technological Details and Costs

  • Solar Boats:

  • Each new solar-powered boat is designed to accommodate up to 75 passengers.

  • They are equipped with an 80 kWh battery, allowing for extended operation, even after sunset.

  • The estimated cost for building a single solar-powered boat with an 80 kWh battery is ₹3.15 crore.

  • All onboard functions, from lighting to charging, will operate on solar energy.

  • The Aditya ferry utilizes 78 solar panels on its roof.

  • Terminal Infrastructure:

  • Conversion of the existing boat station to solar power is estimated at ₹30 lakh.

  • The new terminal building, designed to be a zero-energy hub, will cost approximately ₹50 lakh.

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Cost-Efficiency Analysis

  • A life cycle cost analysis (over twenty years) for the Aditya solar ferry suggests a Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) of ₹274.4 lakh, compared to ₹914.7 lakh for a diesel ferry. This indicates a significant cost advantage for solar options, with diesel ferries being approximately three times more expensive over their lifespan.

  • Operating on solar energy significantly lowers operational costs due to free energy generation.

  • While both solar and electric boats represent advancements, solar boats offer advantages like energy independence through self-generation.

Environmental Benefits

  • Solar ferry boats do not create pollution in the atmosphere or the aquatic environment.

  • Inland water transportation is recognized as an efficient, economic, and environmentally friendly mode of transport in Kerala.

Conclusion and Next Steps

The Vaikom ferry terminal is undergoing a substantial transformation to become Kerala's first fully solar-powered hub. The project encompasses the introduction of solar-powered boats with enhanced battery capacity and the upgrade of terminal infrastructure to be energy-independent. This initiative, building on the success of the Aditya solar ferry, aims to deliver significant cost savings and environmental benefits, positioning Vaikom as a leader in sustainable inland water transportation. The ongoing conversion of the fleet and terminal facilities is expected to be completed in phases over the next few months to a year.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is happening at Vaikom ferry terminal?
The terminal is changing to use solar power. This includes solar panels on buildings and boats that run on the sun.
Q: Why is this change being made?
This change will make travel cleaner and better for the environment. It will also help to lower the costs of running the ferry service.
Q: When will this be finished?
The work is happening now and will continue over the next few months to a year.
Q: Are the new boats safe?
Yes, the new solar boats have batteries that can store power, so they can run even after the sun goes down. They are designed to carry many people safely.
Q: Is this the first time solar boats are used in India?
No, the "Aditya" solar ferry in Kerala was the first solar-powered ferry in India and helped show this is a good idea.