New Delhi: In a significant step towards sustainable transportation, Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) Ltd has signed a contract with the Government of West Bengal's Transport Department to deliver 13 state-of-the-art hybrid ferries. The ferries, designed to operate on the River Hooghly, aim to reduce environmental impact while enhancing passenger experience.
The agreement has been formalized on Tuesday, with representatives including Tapas Biswas, Joint Project Director, WBIWTLSDP, and Cdr Shantanu Bose, IN (Retd), Director (Shipbuilding) of GRSE. The signing event was attended by Snehasis Chakraborty, Minister-in-Charge, Transport Department, Government of West Bengal, and senior officials from the West Bengal Transport Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd (WBTIDCL) and GRSE.
Eco-Friendly Technology at the Core
The hybrid ferries will feature catamaran hulls and advanced hybrid electric propulsion systems powered by both batteries and diesel generators. This dual-mode system allows operators to seamlessly switch between power sources, reducing pollution while ensuring safety and operational flexibility. The vessels will be constructed using lightweight materials like aluminum and Fiber Reinforced Polymer (FRP), further enhancing efficiency.
This project follows GRSE's earlier milestone, the launch of Dheu, a prototype zero-emission ferry commissioned by the West Bengal government. Launched in January 2024, Dheu was technically approved in March 2024, setting the stage for this larger initiative.
Specifications and Investment
The 13 ferries are categorized into two types:
Twin-Deck Ferries: Six ferries with a capacity of 200 passengers each will feature air-conditioned main decks, measuring approximately 30 meters in length and 8-10 meters in width. These vessels will operate at a maximum speed of 12 knots and require a five-member crew. The estimated cost for these ferries is Rs 126 crore.
Single-Deck Ferries: Seven ferries designed to accommodate 100 passengers will be 25 meters long and 8 meters wide, with a top speed of 9 knots. These vessels, also requiring five crew members, are estimated to cost Rs 100 crore.
Enhancing Riverine Transport
The ferries will operate in the Kolkata Metropolitan Area (KMA) along National Waterway-1, covering a stretch from Triveni in the north to Diamond Harbour in the south. Designed for all-weather conditions, the vessels aim to modernize riverine transport and support the region's growing mobility needs.
This contract reinforces GRSE’s commitment to innovation and sustainability, showcasing its ability to deliver cutting-edge maritime solutions aligned with India’s vision for eco-friendly transportation.
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