Soon, fishing boats in Kerala to run on LPG

By PTI

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Kerala authorities has launched an eco-friendly scheme to transform fossil fuel-run fishing boats into LPG-driven vessels.

As a part of the socio-economic improvement mission Parivarthanam, a initiative of the Kerala State Coastal Area Development Corporation (KSCADC) and Central Institute of Fisheries Technology (CIFT).

Minister for Fisheries, Harbour Engineering and Culture Saji Cheriyan on Friday reviewed the trial of LPG in fishing boats at Vizhinjam close to right here.

The Department of Fisheries mentioned the trial confirmed that gasoline price could possibly be saved by 50-55 per cent by utilizing LPG.

“The trial was conducted in association with Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL), which has developed a specially-designed cylinder customised for use in fishing boats,” the division mentioned in a press launch.

Emphasising the necessity for cost-effective and sustainable practices, Cheriyan mentioned the trial revealed that fisherfolk can to save lots of prices.

“Fishermen face a host of issues like high fuel cost and lack of adequate catch due to depletion of marine resources. The shift from fuels like kerosene and petrol to LPG in traditional fishing boats will bring down the steadily increasing operational cost borne by fishermen,” the Minister mentioned within the launch.

The analysis and improvement (R&D) centre of HPCL, in collaboration with Pune-based Vanaz Engineers Limited, developed the personalized LPG package completely for LPG-powered outboard engines.

According to Roy Nagendran, the CEO of Parivarthanam, the usage of LPG in boats would scale back environmental air pollution.

“A boat powered by a 10 HP engine normally requires six to 10 litres of kerosene for one-hour operation. The wastage of a fuel like kerosene is also high as around 20 per cent of it flows out into the sea. A 2.5 kg LPG kit is enough for one-hour operation of a boat. When compared to the cost of fossil fuels, fishermen will benefit substantially from the shift. Moreover, more than one engine can be connected from a single LPG kit,” Nagendran mentioned.

The outboard motor (OBM) utilizing kerosene/petrol may be simply transformed into an eco-friendly and cost-effective gasoline and the LPG conversion package may be related to the OBM with none main adjustments to it, the division mentioned.

Fishermen can utilise the present engines to connect the conversion package with out incurring any additional price.

Widespread use of kerosene in outboard engines usually causes the unburnt gasoline eing flushed out into the ocean.

When these boats function in inland waters, there can be an adversarial affect on the eco system and aquatic life, the discharge mentioned.

The LPG kits have been designed particularly for the OBM contemplating necessities like pace, security, ease of use and financial savings.