‘NavAlt’: Solar ferries to soon hit the shores

Here’s a story about eco-friendly, cost-effective boats…

Sandith Thandasherry, co-founder and CEO at NavAlt, has always been up for challenges and problem-solving. After spending a few years in the naval industry, he co-founded Navgathi Marine Design & Construction, a company in the space of manufacturing small solar powered cruise boats and fishing boats.  In a chat with Larry Bradley, he talks about NavAlt, his next venture that he started in 2013 and how it aims to revolutionise water transport by making it eco-friendly and cost effective.

The idea: Since 2009, we at Navgathi have been building solar powered cruise boats of smaller capacity and solar fishing boats and soon realised that the biggest and commercially viable sector is large passenger water transport boats. Conventional boats using petrol or diesel engines produce volatile emissions that pollute water and air and noise and vibrations that discomfort the passenger and harm the ecosystem. Moreover, these conventional boats are fuel guzzlers. Solar or electric boats are economic as they have zero operating and maintenance cost.

The opportunity: India has about 14,500 km of navigable waterways which comprises rivers canals, backwaters and creeks. Transport by waterways is highly underutilised in India compared to other large countries. Water-based transport is characterised by low operating costs of fuel with the waterway the main infrastructure being naturally available without much maintenance and upgrading costs.

Partnerships: We started looking for a business partner and coincidentally Alternative Energies, the world's most experienced solar boat manufacturer was looking for a partner in India. We discussed the possibility of a partnership and then a JV was signed between Navgathi (51 per cent share), Alt.En (39.2 per cent) and Eve systems (9.8 per cent). Other co-founders who came on board were Phillippe Pallu, CEO of Alternatives Energies and Frederic Meniere, the president of EVE systems which specialises in design of systems for electric vehicles.

Sandith Thandasherry

Overcoming challenges: We spent a lot of money on research. But at various stages of design and construction our efforts were questioned. From government regulations to technology, we have come across many unexpected surprises. Now the first boat is rolled out and is successfully operating in Vaikom, Kerala. Last 120 days’ operation has shown surprising results, which is enough to answer all critics. Being a large-scale manufacturing project, cash flow has been a big challenge. But it was all well managed from time to time by investments from friends and well-wishers. After the first ferry started operating we are getting a lot of inquiries and hope to get some new orders in near future. India's first solar ferry became a reality because Kerala Govt. took the initiative. Central ministry has promised to provide 40 per cent subsidy for India's first solar ferry. Also, the Central Govt. has promised financial assistance for 10 more similar ferries in Kerala.

Future plans: We are looking to introduce this solar ferry model in other Asian countries where sun is very abundant. Nepal is our main target as they use the waterways for transportation very effectively.  Other targets include Maldives, Sri Lanka, South East Nations.

How could solar, eco-friendly boats revolutionise water transport in India? Please share your views.