West Bengal Signs Contract for 13 Hybrid Ferries to Enhance Sustainable River Transport

The Transport Department of the Government of West Bengal has recently signed a contract with the state-owned Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) Ltd. to supply thirteen hybrid ferries. These ferries will be operated by the West Bengal Transport Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd. on the Hooghly River. The boats are constructed using aluminum and fiber reinforced polymers with a catamaran hull design. They will be powered by hybrid-electric drive systems utilizing batteries and diesel generators. This hybrid system allows for greater safety and flexibility in switching between power modes, while also significantly reducing environmental pollution.

The agreement specifies that the hybrid ferries will transport passengers on the Ganga-Bhagirathi-Hooghly river system in the Kolkata Metropolitan Area. Six of the thirteen ferries will feature double decks capable of accommodating 200 passengers each, with air conditioning on the main deck. These larger ferries will be between 8 to 10 meters wide and 30 meters long, requiring a crew of five and reaching a top speed of 12 knots. The estimated cost for these larger ferries is Rs 126 crore. The remaining seven ferries will have a single deck and accommodate 100 passengers each, with a top speed of nine knots. These smaller ferries are expected to cost around Rs 100 crore.

The West Bengal government had previously commissioned GRSE to develop a prototype for a next-generation zero-emission ferry, which was officially approved after testing. The agreement with GRSE marks a significant step towards advancing sustainable transportation in the region through the use of hybrid ferries. This initiative aligns with efforts to reduce environmental impact while enhancing transportation capabilities on the Hooghly River. The collaboration between the government and GRSE reflects a commitment to innovation and environmental stewardship in the maritime industry.

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