Cyprus plans first solar electric passenger vessels by April 2027

Larnaca, Cyprus. Cyprus is set to introduce its first solar electric passenger vessels by April 2027 under a cooperation agreement signed by the marine and maritime institute and Indian shipbuilder Navalt.

The memorandum of understanding was signed in Larnaca on Thursday by institute chief executive Zacharias Siokouros and Navalt chief executive Sandith Thandasherry.

Green shipping partnership

The agreement establishes a partnership to promote electric propulsion and green shipping technologies in Cyprus, with plans to expand cooperation across the Mediterranean.

The first objective is the launch of solar electric passenger vessels, which are intended to help reduce emissions from maritime transport.

Production options

Under the agreement, the vessels could be built entirely in India and assembled in Cyprus, or produced locally through the transfer of technical expertise.

Further cooperation

The two organisations will also examine cooperation on autonomous maritime vessels for defence applications, building on wider maritime and technology cooperation between Cyprus and India.

Navalt is regarded as one of India’s leading developers of electric and solar-powered vessels.