First Electric Fishing Boat Launches at Kakinada
Suraas Ventures Limited has experimentally launched India’s first electric (EV) retrofitted fishing vessel at Kakinada, Andhra Pradesh, marking the beginning of its Pan-India marine-EV operations. The first electric fishing boat was inaugurated on 17 October 2026 by Kakinada MLA Vanamadi Venkateswara Rao (Kondababu).
The launch is being positioned as a milestone towards cleaner and more sustainable marine operations — aiming to reduce diesel dependence, lower fishing fuel costs, protect the marine environment, and modernise the fisheries sector through clean technology, electric propulsion and advanced marine engineering.
How the EV Fishing Boat Works
- Electric propulsion: The retrofitted vessel replaces the conventional diesel engine with an electric motor powered by a durable on-board battery.
- 6-hour endurance: According to V.V. Rao, the company’s technical director (a retired additional director of the fisheries department), the boat runs for six hours on a single charge — enough for local fishermen who venture out for daily trips.
- Zero exhaust emissions: No diesel smoke or fuel spill risk at the harbour or fishing grounds.
What the Company Plans Next
- 24-month expansion: Over the next two years, the company plans to expand across Pan-India and global operations.
- Marine-EV ecosystem: The vision covers electric vessels for fishing committees, tourism operators, government institutions and commercial marine stakeholders.
- Government MoUs: Following the success of the first EV marine boat, the company expects to sign MoUs with state and central governments.
- Manufacturing hub: The project also seeks to position Kakinada as a marine-EV manufacturing and service hub, with potential expansion across coastal states.
Why It Matters for Indian Fishers
Fuel is one of the biggest recurring costs for artisanal and small-scale fishers, and diesel price volatility eats directly into daily earnings. If the six-hour endurance holds up in real operating conditions, an electric retrofit could meaningfully cut trip costs for day-boat fishermen while eliminating exhaust pollution at busy landing centres. The experimental Kakinada launch is the first real-world test — watch this space for performance data as the pilot progresses.
Official Source
- Deccan Chronicle report (published 16 Oct 2026): EV Retrofitted Fishing Vessel Launches Today