The Central Institute of Fisheries Technologies took delivery of its solar fishing boat, named the CIFT Sun Boat, in a ceremony led by Kerala Fisheries Minister K. Babu at Matsyafed Aquatic Farm, Njarakkal.
This event marked another milestone in the history of Navalt with the much-anticipated commissioning and inauguration of its first compact solar fishing boat.
The Sun Boat is 3.65 metres long and can carry four passengers. These boats can be used for aquaculture purposes, gill netting, lining, transportation, and aqua tourism in lakes, rivers, and reservoirs.
“Annual fuel consumption by mechanised and motorised fishing fleets in India has been estimated at 1220 million litres. A fourfold increase has happened in the price of fuel, and this is eating away at the major portion of fishermen’s income. “This situation highlights the need for a renewable and nonpolluting energy source for boat propulsion,” said M.V. Baiju, CIFT’s Naval Architect.
“CIFT caters to the needs of the fishing industry and took up the idea of developing a fishing boat powered by solar energy.” Navgathi introduced a 30-foot, sea-going, solar fishing boat in Gujarat last year. Their vast experience in solar-powered boats makes them the better choice. “Shortly, we will introduce a number of similar boats for recreational and commercial fishing in different locations,” added Shri. Baiju.
“The recently delivered Sun Boat is based on the proven platform of the SunCRZ-9, the four-passenger solar-powered boat. The twin hull construction gives the boat higher stability during fishing activities, and the deck area is wider compared to any similar-sized conventional boat. This boat meets all the stability and safety requirements of the Kerala Inland Vessel Rules and is capable of running for 3 to 4 hours after complete charging. It attains a speed of 4 knots in calm waters. “The propellers are made of plastic composite and will not corrode,” says Alby Joy, Project Manager for NavAlt.
The main Advantages of the Sun Boats are
No Fuel Cost
Zero pollution from the burning of fuel
No sound pollution as it has a silent propulsion system
Clean FRP surface for fish handling
Navgathi Marine, a pioneer in the solar boating industry of India has developed solar cruise boats of passenger capacities 2, 6 and 10. Recently Navgathi joined with Alternatives Energies of France and formed Navalt Solar & Electric Boats Company to power the solar boat revolution and offer passenger capacities of up to 100.
Media coverage:
http://indiasolarmarket.com/2014/03/navgathi-marine-hands-indias-compact-solar-fishing-boat-sun-boat/
