KOCHI: The Vaikom terminal will soon become the first fully solar-powered ferry terminal in the state, thanks to the Kerala State Water Transport Department (SWTD)’s ambitious project to convert half of its fleet into solar-powered vessels.
“Vaikom will be made a zero-energy terminal this year itself. For this, all vessels there will be converted into solar ferries while panels will be installed at the new terminal building to be constructed at a cost of Rs 50 lakh. Thus, the terminal can generate its own energy and consumes no net energy. The boats too will soon run fully on solar power, cutting off costs and adding to the green energy movement,” said a senior SWTD official.
