Soon, fishing boats in Kerala to run on LPG

Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala government has launched an ecofriendly scheme to convert fossil fuel-run fishing boats into LPG-driven vessels as part of the socio-economic development project 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 near here. The Department of Fisheries said the trial showed that fuel cost could be saved by 50-55 per cent by using 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 department said in a press release. Emphasising the need for costeffective and sustainable practices, Cheriyan said the trial revealed that fisherfolk can to save costs.

“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 said in the release. The research and development (R&D) centre of HPCL, in collaboration with Pune-based Vanaz Engineers Limited, developed the customised LPG kit exclusively for LPG-powered outboard engines.