Navalt solar Ro-Ro vessels set for Kerala water transport

Kochi-based Navalt solar Ro-Ro vessels are set to boost water transport in Kerala as the startup prepares to deliver two high-capacity electric ferries to the State Water Transport Department (SWTD) this year.

The vessels, each with a 100-tonne capacity, are currently under construction and expected to be launched within six months. The Navalt solar Ro-Ro vessels mark a major step in clean mobility for inland waterways.

Designed as high-speed electric ferries, they will operate entirely on solar power, cutting fuel use and emissions. An SWTD official confirmed the timeline, stating the boats are on track for deployment this year.

Navalt founder and CEO Sandith Thandasherry said the company has already built 80 vessels operating across 11 states. “We have also exported boats to Canada, Israel, the Maldives, and Seychelles. We started out with a clear focus on making public transport ferries and slow-speed inland vessels. However, we are now expanding,” he said.

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These Ro-Ro ferries are part of Navalt’s push into advanced electric marine solutions. “These Ro-Ros too are solar-run. We are moving into sea-going and speed boats (going at 15 knots). The aim is to take electric propulsion into coastal and real-world marine conditions. Next in line are high-speed foiling vessels with a speed of 35 knots. The plan is to use hydrofoil technology to reduce drag and enable energy-efficient fast transport,” Sandith said.

The company is also targeting high fuel-consuming segments, including large electric tugs, to maximize the impact of marine electrification.