ICAR-CIFT Mumbai Launches “Vikalpika” – India’s First Electric Fishing Vessel

The Mumbai Research Centre of ICAR-CIFT successfully launched “Vikalpika” – India’s first Electric Fishing Vessel – on 26th May 2025 at Gorai Creek, Mumbai. This groundbreaking innovation represents a major milestone in the national effort to decarbonize India’s marine fisheries sector, in alignment with the country’s climate-resilient and sustainable development goals.

The project is the outcome of a strategic collaboration between ICAR-CIFT and the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI), Pune, with financial support from the Department of Fisheries, Government of Maharashtra, and the Mangrove Foundation, Mumbai, under a formal MoU signed on 6th February 2024. The Project is led by Shri. Shravan Kumar Sharma, Scientist at ICAR-CIFT Mumbai, as the Principal Investigator under the Alternate Fuel and Energy Systems (AFES) Project. The project team comprises Dr. Baiju M. V., Senior Scientist, and Shri Paras Nath Jha, Scientist, from ICAR-CIFT, along with Dr. Sushil S. Ramdasi, Deputy Director, and Shri Rakesh Mullick, General Manager, from ARAI Pune.

The inaugural ceremony commenced at 11:00 AM at the Bay View Banquet Hall, Gorai, with the ICAR Song, followed by a welcome address by Dr. Asha K. K., Principal Scientist & Scientist-in-Charge, ICAR-CIFT Mumbai. Dr. George Ninan, Director, ICAR-CIFT, delivered the Presidential Address, highlighting the institute's commitment to sustainable fisheries. This was followed by a detailed project briefing by Shri. Shravan Kumar Sharma, and technical insights by Dr. Sushil S. Ramdasi, Deputy Director, ARAI Pune.

The event was graced by Dr. N. P. Sahu, Director (In-Charge), ICAR-CIFE Mumbai, as the Chief Guest. He emphasized the vital importance of adopting green technologies in India’s pursuit of net-zero emissions and commended the collaborative efforts of ICAR-CIFT and ARAI.

The formal launch and flagging-off of Vikalpika was conducted at Gorai Creek, followed by media interactions, group photographs, and a networking lunch. In his remarks, Dr. George Ninan noted that Vikalpika stands as a shining example of cross-sectoral collaboration and technological innovation for sustainable fisheries development.

The vessel is now set to undergo field trials at selected coastal sites in Maharashtra to validate its performance, energy efficiency, and economic feasibility in real-world fishing operations.

The event was attended by officials from the Department of Fisheries, Government of Maharashtra, ICAR-Central Institute of Fisheries Education Mumbai, ICAR-CMFRI Mumbai, Fishery Survey of India, Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA) Mumbai, SASMIRA (Synthetic & Art Silk Mills' Research Association) Mumbai, ARAI Pune, Bank of India Mumbai Headquarters, Fibre Tech Gorai (Boat Builder), Innovegic India (Supplier of EV Kits and Solar), Bangalore, MP Ensystems Goa, fishermen of Gorai Machchimar Society and other fishermen of Mumbai regions.  A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was also signed between ICAR-CIFT and the Bank of India during the event to strengthen future collaborations and providing loans for the CIFT developed technology including VIKALPIKA.

The ceremony concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Dr. Rehana Raj, Scientist, ICAR-CIFT Mumbai, followed by the National Anthem.