Kochi Corpn. is considering a hybrid ro-ro ferry for Vypeen–Fort Kochi amid noise complaints

A ro-ro ferry operating in the Vypeen-Fort Kochi corridor. | Photo credit: H. VIBHU

Keeping in view the public demand for noise-free travel on the Vypeen-Fort Kochi corridor, the Kochi Municipal Corporation is considering introducing a hybrid double-decker roll-on roll-off (ro-ro) ferry to transport passengers and vehicles along the stretch.

The move comes in the wake of alleged complaints of discernible and alarming levels of noise pollution caused by three diesel ro-ro ferries in the once quiet tourist zone of Fort Kochi and Vypeen. The third diesel-powered ro-ro ferry built by Cochin Shipyard joined the fleet on 12 July.

Mayor VK Minimol said Kochi is trying to secure partial funding from the Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs’ Urban Challenge Fund for a hybrid, eco-friendly ro-ro ferry capable of transporting up to 50 cars at a time along the passenger-packed corridor.

“Municipal bonds would be converted to source 50% of the project cost. For now, ‘noise correction’ would be carried out on two older ro-ro ferries tasked with dry docking worth ₹5 crore. During this grueling repair process, measures will be taken to reduce noise and improve cooling of their engines, which usually heat up quickly,” she said.

She said the corporation could not afford to spend such large sums on repairs, and said switching to hybrid, non-polluting ferries that rely more on electricity would mean lower operating and maintenance costs.

It is high time the concerned stakeholders ensure that modern solar or electric powered ro-ro ferries are introduced in the corridor as Fort Kochi beach and its historic streets are frequented by tens of thousands of discerning tourists from India and abroad, said Jose Dominic, a hotelier who owns a historic hotel in Fort Kochi.

“During the last decade, diesel-powered vessels have hindered the peaceful backwater and beach experience sought by tourists. This has also affected passenger ride quality and the quality of the environment at Fort Kochi, Vypeen and along the route. Kochi should not miss out on eco-friendly solutions to the noise and air pollution caused by such fossil fuel ferries,” he said.

Eco-friendly mobility solutions are gaining ground globally, with Kochi Water Metro’s hybrid electric ferries being an example, which do not cause noise or air pollution, said Sajan John, Chief Operating Officer, Kochi Water Metro Limited. Electric ro-ro ferries are also becoming more popular and there is no reason for Kochi to miss the bus, he added.

Published – 19 Jul 2026 21:36 IST