Maldives’ first solar ferry ordered by Solih administration to arrive in April

Navalt, the largest solar electric boat manufacturer in neighboring India, has said that the solar ferry being produced for use in the Maldives is scheduled to arrive in the island nation in April.

The ferry was ordered three years ago, in 2022, during President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih's administration.

Citing Navalt's CEO Sandith Thandasherry, the "Indian Express" reported that the boat is being built based on an order received from the Maldives Ministry of Finance, and the main structure of the boat has now been completed.

The report, citing Sandith Thandasherry, also stated that the main structure of the boat is now finished, and the interior work and painting will be completed by the end of March. It also reported that this is the first time such a passenger ferry is being prepared for export.

The solar ferry, named "Apollo," is being built specifically for the Maldivian environment. As such, the ferry is designed to operate even in rough seas.

The solar ferry is equipped with a 50 kilowatt Manta DNV-approved LFP battery pack along with a 40 kilowatt inboard electric motor. In addition to this, a 25 kilowatt solar panel will be installed on top of the ferry.

Reports suggest that the solar ferry, ordered by the Ministry of Finance, costs USD 577,039. The boat is 26 meters long and seven meters wide.

Further, the "Indian Express" cited the Navalt CEO who holds a degree in Naval Architecture, having said that the ferry can travel 240 kilometers on a single charge, and that they hope to receive more orders from the Maldives.

While this is the first such solar ferry to be used in the Maldives, the current administration has not yet disclosed how the ferry will be utilized for service.