Cochin Shipyard launches first of two 1,200-pax electric ferries for Andaman and Nicobar

Cochin Shipyard (CSL) has launched the first of two 1,200-passenger ferries slated for the Andaman and Nicobar Administration.

The 157-metre steel-hulled vessel will have electric propulsion and will also be capable of transporting up to 1,000 tonnes of cargo. It will sail operationally between mainland India and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands in the Bay of Bengal.

The ferry has begun undergoing outfitting at CSL’s facilities and is scheduled for sea trials later this year. Delivery to its new owners is expected in 2021.

The 1,200-passenger ferry is part of a four-vessel order that also includes two 500-passenger ferries. The two latter vessels are nearing completion at CSL and are scheduled to be delivered in March and June 2020, respectively.