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Navalt, an eco-marine technology company from Kochi, is getting ready to introduce a new solar-electric ferry named 'Apollo' in the Maldives. This ferry, built to handle tough sea conditions with waves up to four meters high, will help improve the transport system in Male by offering an eco-friendly way to travel between islands. With 75 seats, 'Apollo' will soon become an important part of the Maldives' inter-island passenger service.
The ferry is being built at a cost of Rs 5 crore and is almost complete. It is expected to be shipped to the Maldives by early April. The project was commissioned by the Ministry of Finance of the Maldives, marking Navalt's first export of a passenger ferry. Previously, the company had delivered a 10-seater semi-luxury tourist vessel to Canada. CEO Sandith Thandasherry, a naval architect from IIT Madras, said that the final works, including painting and interior finishing, are expected to be completed by the end of March.
'Apollo' is powered by two 50 kWh LFP battery packs and two 40 kW inboard electric motors. The ferry will operate at a speed of 8 knots and features an advanced ORCA electric steering system, which improves steering control and reduces maintenance costs. A 25 kW solar panel system on the ferry's roof helps extend its range by recharging the batteries and providing power for other equipment. As a catamaran built under IRS class, 'Apollo' is designed for extra safety and stability.
The Maldives government will own and operate 'Apollo', and the ferry is expected to start services in mid-2025. It is 26 meters long and 7 meters wide, with the ability to travel up to 120 kilometers on a single charge. This marks the Maldives' first-ever solar-electric ferry, and the success of 'Apollo' may lead to more orders for Navalt in the future.
Navalt has been a leader in eco-friendly marine transport in India. In 2017, the company launched India's first solar ferry, 'Aditya,' which was recognized by the Solar Impulse Foundation as one of the top 1,000 environmental solutions. Following this, the Kerala government introduced multiple solar ferries, including 'Indra', the country's largest solar-electric boat, through the State Water Transport Department (SWTD). These efforts have helped promote green transportation in Kerala's waterways.
Navalt has built solar-electric boats for different states in India, including Punjab, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Karnataka. The company is currently working on nine more orders, including 24-passenger boats for Maharashtra and projects in Odisha, Tamil Nadu, and other states. Navalt is also expanding globally, with international orders, including a 75-seater for the Maldives, a 10-seater for Canada, and a propulsion system for a ferry in Israel.
With 'Apollo' soon to be launched in the Maldives, Navalt is making an important step towards sustainable marine transport worldwide. This solar ferry will not only help reduce pollution but also strengthen the company's position as a leader in eco-friendly shipping technology.
