West Bengal has just made waves—pun intended—in the maritime sector with the launch of India’s fastest electric ferry, ‘Dheu’. This groundbreaking vessel, which will navigate the Hooghly River in Kolkata, marks a pivotal moment in the evolution of sustainable water transport in the country. The name ‘Dheu,’ meaning wave in Bengali, is fitting for a ferry that embodies both innovation and environmental responsibility.
Constructed by the renowned Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE), the Dheu is a 24-meter-long catamaran with an aluminium hull, designed to slice through the water with remarkable efficiency. With a 246 KWh liquid-cooled energy storage system and twin screw propellers, this ferry can reach speeds of up to 10 knots, or approximately 23 kilometers per hour. It’s not just about speed, though; the Dheu also boasts solar panels that provide supplementary power to its batteries, showcasing a multi-faceted approach to energy use.
Passenger comfort is a key consideration in the design of the Dheu. The air-conditioned interior can accommodate up to 150 passengers, making it a viable option for both locals and tourists looking to explore Kolkata’s riverside attractions. The ferry operates with minimal noise and vibration, ensuring that the journey is as pleasant as it is efficient.
Safety features are also at the forefront of this vessel’s design. It incorporates an automatic identification system and a satellite-based global maritime distress safety system, enhancing the security of passengers and crew alike. A failsafe mechanism ensures that if battery levels drop to 20 percent, a diesel generator kicks in, allowing the ferry to safely reach its charging point. This level of foresight in engineering speaks volumes about GRSE’s commitment to reliability and safety in maritime transport.
The implications of the Dheu extend far beyond its immediate operational capabilities. With this launch, West Bengal is setting a precedent for other states to follow. Maritime experts are already buzzing about the potential for electric vessels to revolutionize water transport across the country, significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions and river pollution. The Dheu could serve as a model for future green initiatives, not just in India but globally, as countries grapple with climate change and seek sustainable solutions for transportation.
Inaugurated by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, the ferry service will connect popular local and tourist destinations, including Dakshineswar and Belur Math, enhancing the tourism landscape along the Hooghly River. Operations are set to kick off after the Gangasagar Mela, positioning the Dheu as an exciting new addition to Kolkata’s vibrant transport network.
The launch of the Dheu is a bold step into the future of maritime transport, proving that innovation and sustainability can go hand in hand. As the industry shifts towards greener technologies, the Dheu stands as a beacon of hope, inspiring a new wave of electric vessels that could redefine water travel in India and beyond.
