Defence PSU Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) Ltd launched a “next-generation” electric ferry with a 150-passenger capacity for the West Bengal government, an official said on Friday.

Holding the prospect of replacing diesel-engine run ferries with green platforms that use only battery and solar power, the launch of the electric ferry, christened ‘Dheu’ (wave) signals opportunities in zero-emission water transport, the GRSE official said.

The vessel was launched by Lipi Das, general manager (human resources), of GRSE in the presence of Commodore P R Hari (retd), Chairman and Managing Director, of the warship builder on Thursday.

The vessel will undergo harbour and afloat trials before being delivered to the West Bengal government.