Kolkata, Jan 12 (PTI) Defence PSU Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) Ltd launched a "next-generation" electric ferry with a 150-passenger capacity for the West Bengal government, an official said on Friday.

Holding the prospect of replacing diesel-engine run ferries with green platforms that use only battery and solar power, the launch of the electric ferry, christened 'Dheu' (wave) signals opportunities in zero-emission water transport, the GRSE official said

Also Read | IAF An-32 Aircraft Found: Debris of Indian Air Force Plane That Went Missing Over Bay of Bengal in 2016 With 29 Onboard Found on Sea Bed.

The vessel was launched by Lipi Das, general manager (human resources), of GRSE in the presence of Commodore P R Hari (retd), Chairman and Managing Director, of the warship builder on Thursday.

The ferry, being constructed by the Defence PSU for the West Bengal government, is ergonomically designed to carry 150 passengers in air-conditioned comfort, he said, adding that it will have twin screw propellers for greater manoeuvrability and a catamaran aluminium hull which will allow speed up to 10 knots.

Also Read | FPI Inflows of USD 10.1 Billion in December 2023 Are Highest Ever Recorded in Single Month, Says Report.

It will have solar panels to augment the power supply, the official said in a statement.

The vessel will undergo harbour and afloat trials before being delivered to the West Bengal government.

(The above story is verified and authored by Press Trust of India (PTI) staff. PTI, India’s premier news agency, employs more than 400 journalists and 500 stringers to cover almost every district and small town in India.. The views appearing in the above post do not reflect the opinions of LatestLY)