GRSE works towards a greener future, signs contract with Government of West Bengal for 13 hybrid ferries

In a significant step towards sustainable transportation, Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) Ltd has signed a contract with the Transport Department of the Government of West Bengal for the construction and delivery of 13 hybrid ferries. These state-of-the-art ferries will be operated by the West Bengal Transport Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd (WBTIDCL) on the River Hooghly.

The contract was signed by Shri Tapas Biswas, Joint Project Director, WBIWTLSDP, and Cdr Shantanu Bose, IN (Retd), Director (Shipbuilding), GRSE, in the presence of Shri Snehasis Chakraborty, Hon’ble Minister-in-Charge, Transport Department, Government of West Bengal, and other senior officials from the state and GRSE.

Features of the Hybrid Ferries

• Eco-Friendly Design: The ferries will feature hybrid electric propulsion systems powered by both batteries and diesel generators, significantly reducing pollution levels.
• Advanced Materials: Built with a catamaran hull design, aluminum, and Fiber Reinforced Polymer (FRP), these vessels promise durability and efficiency.
• Safety and Flexibility: Operators can switch between battery and diesel modes for added safety and adaptability.

Specifications and Cost

• Twin-Deck Ferries:

  • Capacity: 200 passengers
  • Features: Air-conditioned main deck
  • Dimensions: ~30 meters long, 8–10 meters wide
  • Speed: Maximum 12 knots
  • Crew: Five members
  • Cost: Rs 126 crore for six ferries

• Single-Deck Ferries:

  • Capacity: 100 passengers
  • Dimensions: ~25 meters long, 8 meters wide
  • Speed: Maximum 9 knots
  • Crew: Five members
  • Cost: Rs 100 crore for seven ferries

These ferries will operate in the Kolkata Metropolitan Area (KMA), covering the stretch from Triveni in the north to Diamond Harbour in the south. Part of National Waterway-1, the ferries will serve as a reliable, eco-friendly alternative for passenger transport across all weather conditions.

GRSE had earlier designed and launched a next-generation zero-emission ferry named Dheu, which was technically accepted in March 2024. This prototype set the stage for the current contract, highlighting GRSE’s expertise in building modern, environmentally friendly vessels.

Speaking at the contract signing, Shri Snehasis Chakraborty, Hon’ble Transport Minister, emphasized the importance of sustainable transport solutions for urban areas. GRSE’s Chairman, in a statement, reiterated the company’s commitment to innovation and ecological responsibility.

The project not only underscores the government’s commitment to green transport but also reflects GRSE’s role as a leader in advanced shipbuilding technologies. These hybrid ferries will contribute significantly to reducing carbon emissions while enhancing passenger safety and comfort.