Western Australia-based naval architecture firm Global Marine Design (GMD) has published details of a new 12.5-metre hybrid electric ferry developed for service on the rivers of the Kashmir region in northwestern India.
The aluminium ferry was designed to strict limits on length, beam, draught, and air draught. A draught of 0.6 metres and an air draught of 2.25 metres will allow the vessel to navigate shallow channels and pass underneath low bridges.
Two steerable electric pod drives will propel the ferry. The designer said the vessel can travel at just above eight knots for more than two hours on battery power alone.
An onboard generator will be available as a range extender in case the ferry is travelling between two charging stations that are far apart.
An air-conditioned FRP saloon will provide seating for up to 20 passengers and will also include wheelchair access.
GMD said in October that construction of the ferry was about to begin at Knowledge Shipyard in India.