Project for LPG Conversion of Fishing Boats Gains Pace

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM:
In a cost-saving and eco-friendly project to support fishing community, a scheme to convert fossil fuel-run fishing boats into LPG- driven vessels has been launched as part of the inclusive socio-economic development project ‘Parivarthanam,’ an initiative of Kerala State Coastal Area Development Corporation (KSCADC) and Central Institute of Fisheries Technology (CIFT).

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

The trials showed that fuel cost could be saved by 50 to 55 percent by using LPG as an alternative fuel in fishing boats.

The trial was conducted in association with Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL), which has developed a specially-designed cylinder customised for using in fishing boats.

Emphasising the need to introduce cost-effective and sustainable practices in fishery sector, Shri Cheriyan said the trial run of LPG-fuelled boats in traditional fishing boats would help fisherfolk to save the fuel cost considerably.

“Fishermen face 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 said.

After reviewing the trial, Cheriyan suggested to the HPCL officials that the speed of boats could be improved and more fishermen included in the next round of trials.

M.P. Retheesh Kumar, Chief General Manager-Sales & Marketing, HPCL, Mumbai, explained to the Minister the salient features of the LPG kit.

The Research and Development (R&D) Centre of HPCL, in collaboration with Pune-based Vanaz Engineers Limited, has developed the customised LPG kit exclusively for LPG-powered outboard engines.

According to Roy Nagendran, CEO, Parivarthanam, who supervised the trial, apart from financial benefit, the use of LPG in boats will substantially reduce environmental pollution.

Nagendran said a boat powered by 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 percent 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.

Plans are also afoot to introduce CNG for fishing boats in the next phase of the project.

V.S. Chakravarti, Chief General Manager-South Zone, HPCL, Chennai, and Sunil Kumar T.U, Chief Regional Manager, LPG Regional Office, Kochi were also present during the trial run.

The Out-Board Motor (OBM) using kerosene/petrol can be easily converted into an eco-friendly and cost-effective fuel. The LPG conversion kit can be connected to the OBM without any major changes to it. Fishermen can utilize the existing engines to attach the conversion kit without incurring any extra costs.

Widespread use of kerosene in outboard engines often cause unburnt kerosene being flushed out to the sea. When these boats operate in inland waters, they have negative impact on the sensitive ecosystems and aquatic life.

The LPG conversion kits have been designed specifically for the OBM considering all their requirements like speed, safety, ease of use and savings in fuel cost.

The Parivarthanam project also aims to promote green energy and technologies to sustain traditional fishery activities. The endeavours include promoting rooftop solar panels, electrification of engines and conversion to CNG mode.