The supported project focuses on the development and demonstration of a 20-passenger electric boat, contributing to India’s goals of promoting environment-friendly waterways, reducing dependence on fossil fuels and enabling sustainable tourism. Under the initiative, VMSPL will design and construct a high-strength, low-weight fibre-reinforced plastic vessel in compliance with Indian Register of Shipping standards. The vessel will be integrated with electric outboard motors, advanced battery systems and a digital console interface developed by Canadian partner ACEL Power Inc.

The project is expected to create a scalable technology platform for clean inland and coastal water transport, delivering reduced emissions, minimal noise and improved operational efficiency. It aligns closely with government policies that encourage energy-efficient and cleaner mobility solutions across transport modes.

Vijai Marine Services Pvt. Ltd., which operates Vijai Marine Shipyards, is an ISO 9001:2008-certified Indian shipyard with established capabilities in the design, construction, commissioning and delivery of marine craft. The electric propulsion system developed under the project will be optimised for Indian operating conditions, particularly for feeder services and tourism-linked waterways.

Key outcomes of the project include the development of electric boats for water taxi services, eco-tourism routes and river-based passenger transport, support for responsible tourism through low-noise and non-polluting vessels suited to sensitive ecological zones, the use of carbon-fibre reinforced plastics and vacuum-infusion construction techniques for enhanced durability and performance, and the demonstration that electric boats can deliver endurance and reliability comparable to conventional diesel-powered systems.

Commenting on the initiative, Rajesh Kumar Pathak, Secretary, TDB, said that the Indo-Canada collaborative research and development programme is designed to encourage industry-oriented innovation that translates into deployable technologies. He added that the project supports green waterways, strengthens innovation in marine engineering and builds domestic capability in advanced mobility technologies.

Representatives of Vijai Marine Services Pvt. Ltd. said the support from TDB would help accelerate the deployment of commercially viable electric boats tailored for Indian conditions, contributing to safer, cleaner and more efficient water transport.