Solar-powered Boat Production Expanded in Kerala

March 11, 2013

Yachting Journal

Minister Inaugurates Sun CRZ 9: Photo credit Navgathi Marine

Minster for Fisheries, Ports & Excise, Kerala inaugurated the launch of first 4 Navgathi Marine passenger solar boats SunCRZ9 in Kerala, India.

Navgathi Marine is planning to boost Indian tourism with Sun CRZ series of solar boats. The latest 4 passenger solar boat SunCRZ 9 was inaugurated by Kerala fisheries & ports minister, Shri. K. Babu during the save power expo 2013 at Le Meridian Hotel Cochin.

Navgathi say that these boats are going to be the future of Kerala tourism. Later Minister discussed with Mr. Sandith Thandasherry CEO, Navgathi Marine, the possibility of converting the conventional fishing boats of Kerala to solar powered. Navgathi has recently introduced Solar fishing boats in Gujarat and signed MOU with Gujarat Govt. for the conversion of 500 fishing boats to solar powered.

The features of the boat include: length (3.6 m), breadth (1.65 m), depth (0.60 m), draft (0.3 m); solar power (500 W), battery bank (1.56 kWh), propulsion motor (600 W), and speed (5 knots.). On a bright sunny day the boat can cruise at 4 knots for the whole day. The boat has been tested for stability as per Inland Rules of Kerala.
 

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