Solar-Powered Boats for Bangladesh Inland Waterways: State of the Art and Future Prospects

Author: Shahan Malek Usham, Tasmia Hoque, Md. Emam Hossain Emon, Amreen Tahiat Rashed
DOI: doi.org/10.70279/bmj-v1-1094

Bangladesh’s inland waterways form one of the world’s largest transport networks. Yet most vessels operating in these waterways are still dependent on diesel propulsion which comes with high operating costs and environmental pollution. With average solar radiation of about 4.5 kWh/m² per day, solar-powered boats offer a clean, environment friendly and practical alternative to diesel for inland transportation. This paper reviews the technological evolution and performance of solar-powered pilot project boats in Bangladeshi contexts. This study also examines their technical, economic, environmental, policy and institutional dimensions. The findings show that solar boats can reliably operate at low to moderate speeds, achieving fuel-free operation and reducing more than five tonnes of CO₂
emissions per vessel each year. Due to substantial savings in fuel and maintenance,economic assessment identifies solar powered boats as a financially advantageous option over long run operation. However, barriers such as high upfront costs, limited manufacturing capability, and weak policy integration hinder widespread adoption. The paper provides valuable insights on mainstreaming solar propulsion in Bangladeshi inland transportation network and advancing low-carbon transport, lowering costs and also setting an example for other riverine nations.