In alignment with the Government of India’s efforts to promote clean transportation, technological self-reliance, and industry-driven innovation, the Technology Development Board (TDB), Department of Science & Technology (DST), Government of India, has entered into an agreement with M/s Vijai Marine Services Pvt. Ltd. (VMSPL), Goa for the project titled “The Smart Sea Project by VACE.”

The programme is a bilateral initiative between the Department of Science & Technology, Government of India, and the National Research Council Canada (NRC) and Global Affairs Canada, supporting joint industrial R&D projects that result in market-ready technologies, industrial growth, and societal benefit.

The supported project aims at the development and demonstration of a 20-passenger electric boat, contributing to India’s broader objectives of environment-friendly waterways, reduced dependence on fossil fuels, and sustainable tourism development. Under the project, VMSPL will design and build a high-strength, low-weight FRP vessel meeting Indian Register of Shipping (IRS) standards, which will be integrated with electric outboard motors, battery systems, and a digital console interface developed by the Canadian partner ACEL Power Inc.

The initiative will help create a technology platform for clean inland and coastal water transport, with reduced emissions, minimal noise, and improved operational efficiency, supporting Government policies encouraging energy-efficient and cleaner mobility systems.

Vijai Marine Services Pvt. Ltd., operating Vijai Marine Shipyards, is an ISO 9001:2008-certified Indian shipyard with experience in design, construction, commissioning, and delivery of marine craft. The electric propulsion system jointly developed in this project will be optimized for Indian deployment, particularly in feeder services and tourism-linked waterways.

Key project outcomes:

• Development of electric boats for water taxi services, eco-tourism circuits, and river-based passenger movement.
• Support to responsible tourism through low-noise, non-polluting vessels suitable for sensitive ecological zones.
• Adoption of carbon-fibre reinforced plastics (CFRP) and vacuum-infusion construction techniques for enhanced durability and performance.
• Demonstration that electric boats can deliver endurance and reliability comparable to conventional diesel systems.

Speaking on the occasion, Sh. Rajesh Kumar Pathak, Secretary, TDB, stated:
“Through the Indo-Canada Collaborative R&D Programme, the Government of India is encouraging industry-oriented research that translates into deployable technologies. This project supports green waterways, promotes innovation in marine engineering, and strengthens domestic capability in advanced mobility technologies.”

Representatives of Vijai Marine Services Pvt. Ltd. expressed appreciation, noting that the support from TDB will facilitate the deployment of commercially viable electric boats designed for Indian operating conditions, contributing to safer, cleaner, and more efficient water transport.

 

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NKR/AK

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