Solar ferry disproves nay-sayers

Kochi: The country's first solar ferry, 'Aditya' deployed across Vembanad lake in the Vaikom-Tavanakadavu section of Alappuzha has successfully completed over 200 days of voyage and proved sceptics wrong, especially as to whether the boat could conduct full-scale operations on cloudy and rainy days. The scenario has changed so much over the past eight months that government and private parties from across the country are looking to replicate the model running in the 2.5-km interior section, yet one that is shallow and rough due to constant blowing of strong winds. "We've already signed an agreement with the Uttar Pradesh tourism department for construction of a similar 75-passenger-capacity solar boat to be deployed at Varanasi. The aim is to promote cleaner waterways transport in the river Ganga. Similarly, we're building 20 boats for the Gujarat government to be deployed in the upstream of Sardar Sarovar dam," said Mr Sandith Thandasherry, CEO, NavAlt Solar and Electrical Boats Pvt Ltd, which built 'Aditya' for the State Water Transport Department (SWTD).

"Even during rainy days (when very limited energy from sun is received), we could conduct normal service of 22 trips a day with grid charging being done during the break at noon," said Mr Shaji V. Nair, director, SWTD. However, when the idea of a noiseless, non-polluting boat powered by solar batteries was first mooted, it was not smooth sail for the team behind the initiative. "There was opposition from various quarters saying the idea could not be put into practice given the conditions here. Even a propulsion expert from a leading university argued the battery will drain in two hours and that the boat will drift apart. Letters were sent to various government departments and the Vigilance saying the project was just a waste of money. For all this, I could only make a promise of the project getting successful. For, this is a first- time venture," recalls Mr Sandith. The 75-seater solar boat was constructed by Navalt, a joint venture of two French companies and a Kochi-based Indian company, at a cost of Rs 2 crore.

The 20-metre-long and seven-metre- wide boat made of fibreglass can cruise at a maximum speed of 7.5 knots. The boat, powered by two 20 KW motors, cruises without any noise and minimal vibration compared to the normal diesel ferries. After over two years of walking over fire, Mr Sandith could finally heave a sigh of relief on November 25 last when the trial run of Aditya was successfully done. "That was the most beautiful moment in my life as several myths propagated till then were dispelled. We could prove that the boat could travel on solar power with 75 persons for hours together. The service continued unaffected even on cloudy days and the boat was steady though the wind in Vaikom -Tavanakadavu section was strong," he said. However, the real benefits were bigger. The actual daily cost of operation was as low as Rs 163 as against the average daily fuel expense of Rs 6,500 and maintenance cost of Rs 500 for a fuel- operated boat. So far, the solar boat has resulted in saving 18, 900 litres of diesel and avoided 50 tonnes of carbon-dioxide emission.

Ferry turns a hit among regulars

Ever since solar ferry Aditya was introduced in the 2.5 km-long Vaikom-Tavanakadavu section on January 12, the service has been a hit among commuters with families coming in for joyrides during weekends. "It's a welcome change from rust-ridden boats usually deployed for passenger services. For the first time, a passenger boat deployed by the State Water Transport Department has cushion seats, LCD television and music system overboard and sufficient life saving equipment among others. Above all, the boat moves without even causing a faint sound and offers you a smooth sail even on windy days," nods Amal Dev, a resident of Vaikom.

The first service from Vaikom starts at 7.30 am and the last trip ends at 6.15 pm.
"We're witnessing joyriders on weekends while on normal days the commuters wait for the solar boat even if other boats ply vacant. Standing passenger ride is not allowed and we've kept life jacket and other life saving equipment under each of the 75 seats. Further the interior of the boat is decorated with images of traditional arts to attract tourists," says Anil Kumar, station master. The commuters, though, won't be allowed to eat food inside the boat as that would attract rodents, which in-turn is a threat to electrical systems.

The boat crew includes four employees besides a technician expert in electrical engineering. "There is a rise in overall boat commuters post introduction of the solar ferry. The daily commuters are in the range of 10, 000 to 15, 000," adds Anandan K G, another Station Master. CCTVs are installed inside the boat and also at the jetty to keep the solar ferry under constant monitoring round the clock. "The operation of the boat is easier than other boats since it has two livers. We were given special training before being deployed as crew," says Benny, one of the five crew members.

More solar boats in offing; SWTD to focus on tour rides too

Following success of the first solar ferry deployed in Vaikom-Tavanakadavu section of Alapuzha district, the State Water Transport Department (SWTD) has submitted a Detailed Project Report to the Centre seeking financial assistance to roll out 10 more such passenger boats. "The report mainly lists out benefits achieved during successful operation of the first solar ferry across a 150-day period. Besides cutting pollution drastically, daily cost of operation was as low as '163 as against average daily fuel expense of '6,500 and maintenance cost of '500 for a fuel operated boat. The solar boat also resulted in saving 14,200 litres of diesel and help in saving 38 tonnes of carbon-dioxide emission during the period," said SWTD director Shaji V. Nair.

The plan of the SWTD is to replace the existing fleet with solar ferries in the long run.  It has already decided to give the option to run on solar power too in the 14 catamaran boats currently under construction at various yards, he said. The DPR was submitted to the Ministry of New & Renewable Energy under its scheme for extending funds to encourage renewable sources of energy. "During the rainy days (when very limited energy from sun) too, we could conduct the normal service of 22 trips with grid charging being done during break. The boat completed 150 days of voyage as on June 12 (inaugurated on January 12), conducting a total of 3058 trips with 2.3 lakh passengers travelling in it," said Traffic Superintendent (Ernakulam region) M Sujith.

The solar boat also marked a change in focus of the SWTD which has now decided to cater to the tourism sector too. "We'll deploy a fast ferry service in the Vaikom -Ernakulam section in another three months. The construction of the catamaran-type twin engine boat at a private boat yard is over and currently the process of obtaining fitness certificate and other necessary documents is progressing," said Vaikom station master Anandan K.G. "The main portion will be air-conditioned and includes 50 seats. We expect the service to attract tourists in a big way. The remaining 70 seats in the upper deck are aimed at daily commuters. The boat could cover the distance in one hour 10 minutes without the hustle and bustle of city traffic," the official said.