Indra (boat)

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Indra solar boat.jpg
History
Flag of India.svg India
NameIndra
Owner Kerala State Water Transport Department
Operator Kerala State Water Transport Department
Port of registryKodungallur
RouteKochi waters
Builder Navalt, Kochi, India
Cost₹3.71 Crores
Yard numberY-19
LaunchedDecember 2023
CompletedDecember 2023
Maiden voyageDecember 2023
In serviceDecember 2023
StatusIn service
General characteristics
Class and type Indian Register of Shipping IRS +IW ZONE 1, FERRY
Displacement40 tonnes
Length27 m
Beam7 m
Height6 m
Draught1.0 m
Depth1.8 m
DecksDouble
Installed power2 × 10 kW (cruise) 2 × 20 kW (max)
Propulsion2 Permanent magnet asynchronous electrical motors – 20 kW each (max) @ 700 rpm
Speed
  • 7 knots (13 km/h; 8.1 mph) (max)
  • 6 knots (11 km/h; 6.9 mph) (cruising)
Capacity100 passengers
Crew3

Indra is the largest solar-powered boat in India. [1] It started operations in Kochi waters in the Indian state of Kerala on 22nd December, 2023. The design and construction was done by Navalt at their Kochi headquarters and their Navgathi Panavally Yard.

Contents

Statistics

Ever since the boat started operating, it has been a hit with the passengers. [2]

Technical features

The 27-metre-long and 7-metre-wide boat is covered by 125 square metres (1,350 sq ft) of solar panels rated at 25 kW, which in turn connect to two electric motors of 20 kW, one in each hull. [3] There are 1500 kg of lithium-ion batteries in the ship's two hulls with a total capacity of 80 kWh. The catamaran hull and its shape allow it to reach speeds of up to 7  knots. This was verified by Indian Register of Shipping surveyor.

The boat is remotely monitored and troubleshooting can also be done remotely. All the operating parameters of the boat are recorded and transmitted to the Navalt's server from where the technical experts can monitor the boat. The upgrades and settings in the software can also be performed remotely as if a computer is plugged into the boat. This makes the boat even safer. [4]


Safety features

See also

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References

  1. "SWTD launches India's largest solar electric boat". The Hindu.com. 15 December 2023. Retrieved 22 December 2023.
  2. "India's largest solar-electric boat Indra a hit". New Indian Express. 17 April 2024. Retrieved 16 August 2024.
  3. "Navalt unveils Indra, India's largest solar electric boat". India Sea Trade News. 16 December 2023. Retrieved 22 December 2023.
  4. "Kerala government purchase India's largest electric boat". Baiju N Nair Vlog. 30 January 2025. Retrieved 31 January 2025.
  5. Dubrovsky and Matveev. New Types of Seagoing Multi-hull Ships with Superior Comfort Level and Safety, Passenger Vessels for the New Millennium. p. 1-12.
  6. "Deep Dive: Perspectives on Battery Safety in Marine Transportation and Applications". www.youtube.com. 8 August 2024. Retrieved 12 August 2024.
  7. "Navalt website". www.navaltboats.com. 16 December 2023. Retrieved 22 December 2023.