Sailing With Clean Energy

Navalt’s Aditya is India’s first solar-powered ferry. (Photograph courtesy Sandith Thandasherry)

Sandith Thandasherry is passionate about “saving energy, saving fuel and saving money” in the marine transport sector. With these goals in mind, he founded Navalt, an eco-marine tech company providing a sustainable alternative to traditional diesel-powered vessels. The company has reached several milestones, including the launch of Aditya, India’s first solar-powered ferry, which operates between Vaikkom and Thavanakadavu in Kerala.

In 2018, Thandasherry participated in the International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) on “Building Regional Resilience to Environmental Challenges.” The IVLP is the U.S. Department of State’s flagship professional exchange program. Through short-term visits to the United States, current and emerging leaders from across the world gain firsthand experience of the country and forge lasting connections with American counterparts from their respective fields. The diverse insights gained during the exchange program “were instrumental in shaping our innovative approach to developing solar-powered fishing boats,” says Thandasherry. “I would say the IVLP experience was a catalyst for innovation.”

Excerpts from an interview.

How did you develop the idea of environment-friendly marine transport?
Recognizing the inefficiencies in traditional boat construction, we focused on improving stability and performance. Initially, we provided design services to shipyards in Kerala. Our early experiments with solar-powered boats, including India’s first solar boat built in our garage in 2009, laid the groundwork for our future endeavors. Retrofitting a small fishing boat in Gujarat deepened our understanding of vessel performance and the potential of solar power in marine transport. These experiences solidified our belief that marine transport offers a significant opportunity for solar electrification.

When did you start putting these ideas to work?
Navalt was founded in 2013, and our flagship project, Aditya, India’s first solar ferry, was launched in 2017 for Kerala’s State Water Transport Department.

Navalt has consistently pushed the boundaries of technology and innovation. In 2022, we delivered the world’s first solar fishing boat, SRAV, which means shark in Malayalam. In 2023, we launched India’s fastest solar boat, Barracuda, and in 2024, we completed India’s largest solar-powered boat, Indra.

Currently, we are developing the world’s first solar-electric RORO (roll-on/roll-off) vessel capable of transporting 20 cars or four large trailers. Additionally, we are working on technologies to implement fuel cells, green fuels and wind power.

Why are these innovations important for marine transport?
About 90 percent of the world’s cargo is transported by water, and the shipping industry contributes 3 percent to global pollution. Solar boats offer a solution to minimize this pollution.

There are several reasons to choose solar boats. They eliminate air and water pollution; reduce the risk of oil spills and floating debris; provide a more comfortable commuting experience by eliminating noise, vibration and the smell of fuel; and offer significant savings on fuel and maintenance costs.

For boat owners, solar vessels offer long-term cost-effectiveness compared to traditional boats. They also create jobs in the clean energy sector and boost local economies. The design of the boats focuses on stability to enhance safety and reduce the chances of accidents.

What is the impact of your innovations vis-à-vis the protection of waterways and oceans?
Navalt’s fleet comprises 27 operational solar boats, with 62 more in the pipeline. Our existing vessels have already reduced carbon emissions by over 2,000 tons. Once the planned boats are operational, we anticipate a further reduction of 1,500 tons of carbon emissions annually. This translates to average yearly savings of 35 tons per small boat and 92 tons per larger vessel. In response to tourism demands, we now offer small- to medium-sized cruise boats. Our boats operate in six states.

Can you tell us about your IVLP experience? What were your main takeaways from the program?
The IVLP was a truly transformative experience. Over the course of the program, we visited five cities across the United States, each presenting a unique and contrasting scenario. These diverse settings exposed me to different perspectives on how local conditions and resources shape solutions to community challenges. For example, in New Hampshire, I was inspired by their motto “Live free or die,” and how its resilience measures reflect this philosophy. The experience also highlighted the importance of integrating sustainable energy solutions into community development, especially for marginalized communities that rely on sea fishing. The IVLP experience has been a catalyst for innovation.

Ranjita Biswas is a Kolkata-based journalist. She also translates fiction and writes short stories.