Navalt to Deliver Solar-Powered Ro-Ro Vessels to Kerala SWTD, Eyes High-Speed Marine Expansion

By Admin

26 Mar, 2026

India’s push toward sustainable transportation is gaining momentum on water, and Navalt is steering that transformation. The Kochi-based startup, already recognized as the country’s largest solar electric boat manufacturer, is set to deliver two cutting-edge solar-powered roll-on/roll-off (Ro-Ro) vessels to the Kerala State Water Transport Department later this year.

This move marks a major milestone in the evolution of eco-friendly inland water transport in Kerala and signals Navalt’s ambitious expansion into high-speed marine solutions.

A New Era of Solar-Powered Ro-Ro Transport

According to Navalt’s founder Sandith Thandasherry, the two Ro-Ro vessels are currently under construction and are expected to be launched within the next six months.

Designed with efficiency and practicality in mind, each vessel will feature:

• 100-tonne capacity

• Ability to carry four 40-foot container trucks or up to 30 cars per trip

• Fully solar-powered electric propulsion

While the final routes and operational details will be determined by SWTD authorities, these vessels are expected to significantly enhance cargo and vehicle movement across Kerala’s waterways reducing congestion on roads while lowering emissions.

Beyond Ferries: Navalt’s Strategic Expansion

Navalt initially built its reputation through solar-powered ferries and inland vessels. However, this new project signals a strategic shift toward more advanced and demanding marine segments.

Thandasherry highlighted that the company is now focusing on:

• Sea-going vessels

• High-speed electric boats

• Operations at speeds of up to 15 knots

This transition reflects Navalt’s broader goal: to prove that electric propulsion can perform reliably in real-world marine environments not just in calm inland waters.

Enter Hydrofoil Technology: Speed Meets Efficiency

Taking innovation a step further, Navalt is developing hydrofoil-based vessels capable of reaching speeds up to 35 knots.

Hydrofoil technology works by lifting the vessel above water at speed, reducing drag and significantly improving energy efficiency. This allows:

• Faster travel times

• Lower energy consumption

• Reduced operational costs

If successful, this could redefine high-speed marine transport in India and beyond.

Expanding into Heavy-Duty Electric Marine Solutions

Navalt is also exploring larger and more energy-intensive vessel categories, including:

• Electric tugboats

• Heavy-duty marine applications

These segments offer enormous potential for:

• Fuel savings

• Emission reduction

• Long-term operational efficiency

By electrifying these traditionally fuel-heavy vessels, Navalt aims to create a significant environmental impact.

Proven Track Record and Global Reach

Since its inception, Navalt has:

• Manufactured 80+ vessels

• Operated across 11 Indian states

• Exported to countries like Canada, Israel, Maldives, and Seychelles

This growing portfolio demonstrates that solar electric boats are not just environmentally sustainable but also commercially viable.

The Power of ‘Made in India’ Innovation

A key pillar of Navalt’s strategy is domestic design and manufacturing. According to Thandasherry, building technology within India ensures:

• Cost efficiency

• Better customization

• Stronger technological independence

“Electric marine economics work best when technology is designed and built in India,” he emphasized.

Leading the Global Shift to Clean Maritime Transport

With multiple large-scale projects in the pipeline, Navalt is positioning itself at the forefront of the global transition toward clean marine mobility.

From proving the viability of solar ferries to developing high-speed and heavy-duty electric vessels, the company is shaping the future of sustainable transport on rivers, coasts, and beyond.

As Kerala prepares to deploy these next-generation Ro-Ro vessels, it’s clear that India’s waterways are not just evolving they’re going electric.