Cyprus partners with India’s Navalt to launch solar-electric ferries by 2027

Cyprus is set to introduce its first solar-electric passenger vessels by April 2027 following the signing of a strategic memorandum of understanding in Larnaca. The agreement was finalized between the Cyprus Marine and Maritime Institute (CMMI), represented by CEO Zacharias Siokouros, and the Indian shipbuilder Navalt, led by CEO Sandith Thandasherry. This partnership aims to integrate green shipping technologies and electric propulsion into the Cypriot maritime sector, with future ambitions to expand these services throughout the Mediterranean region.

The cooperation framework offers flexible manufacturing options, allowing the vessels to be built entirely in India, assembled in Cyprus using Navalt’s technology, or produced locally through the transfer of technical expertise and engineering knowledge. Beyond the passenger ferry project, the two entities intend to explore further collaboration on the development of autonomous maritime vessels specifically designed for defense applications, further strengthening the technological ties between Cyprus and India.