Mr.G.Chandrasekar 12-04-2023 Marine News (Ocean and Offshore Energy)

1st Electric Ferry from Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers

Renewable energy provider, Shift Clean Energy (Shift) announces that it has partnered with Kolkata based defense ministry shipyard Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) to power its first ever fully electric ferry.

 

The zero-emission vessel is designed by GRSE and utilizes Shift’s leading-edge energy storage system (ESS) technology. The ferry’s development will be shared across Technology Ventures Middle East (TV-ME) and Marine Electricals Ltd., both of which will manage the electrical integration of the vessel.  

 

The inland waterway passenger vessel, New Generation Electric Ferry, has been commissioned by the Government of West Bengal’s Department of Transport as part of the government's strategic mission to decarbonize its Marine industry. It is the first fully electric ferry developed by GRSE and the second electric ferry to operate in India. This project is set to streamline the transportation of passengers along central waterways and is designed to take 150 passengers and will make an average of 40 trips daily across the busy route.  

 

Brent Perry, CEO of Shift Clean Energy said: “.This fully electric vessel is a milestone moment for the country’s emissions reduction efforts – and we’re thrilled to play a crucial role.” 

 

The fixed installation of Shift’s ESS technology is expected to reduce operational costs by 20-30 percent compared to a traditional diesel-fuelled ship. The ferry will be designed with twin screw propellers and a Catamaran Aluminum hull which will improve manoeuvrability and accelerate speed capabilities by up to 10 knots.

 

In addition to Shift’s fixed ESS installation, solar panels will be included as an additional source of renewable energy. The ferry is due to be delivered in Calcutta at the end of May 2023. The ferry will be designed with twin screw propellers and a Catamaran Aluminium hull which will improve manoeuvrability and accelerate speed capabilities by up to 10 knots. In addition to Shift’s fixed ESS installation, solar panels will be included as an additional source of renewable energy. The ferry is due to be delivered in Calcutta at the end of May 2023.