Pilot project to replace kerosene engines in fishing boats with LPG kits soon

Fishing boats with marine outboard motors (OBM) using kerosene will soon become environment-friendly. They will get liquefied petroleum gas-powered outboard engines to replace their kerosene-driven ones.  

The State government has approved the pilot project at a combined cost of ₹1.90 crore, under which 150 such boats in Tirunelveli, Thoothukudi and Kanniyakumari districts will get LPG kits. These would be for the fishermen, who are already availing subsidy for kerosene. 

Sources in the Fisheries Department said that the LPG kits have been tested by the International Centre for Automotive Technology and have liquid off-take technology. A total of ₹75 lakh has been granted for providing the kits. “Tamil Nadu is the first State to introduce such a pilot project to do away with the polluting kerosene as fuel. The idea is to bring in more cleaner fuels including CNG,” explained an official source.  

The new engines emit a lower volume of carbon monoxide (CO) compared to the ones already in use. According to tests conducted by CIFNET on both engines, CO emission in kerosene engines was 1.2%, whereas in LPG ones, it was only 0.32%. The trials reported a significant saving in fuel consumption, resulting in a saving on fuel cost to the tune of 56.54% and 65.64% for 9.9 Hp and 25 Hp LPG OBM respectively, compared to their counterparts using petrol or kerosene. 

The government has also sanctioned ₹25 lakh to provide subsidies, not exceeding ₹1 lakh each to 25 beneficiaries, to replace their OBMs with 9.9 Hp LPG ones.

Provision has also been made to provide subsidy for 19 kg commercial LPG cylinders for the 150 boats, which is a recurring expenditure and ₹90 lakh set aside for the same. The Minister for Fisheries had announced this scheme in the State Assembly in June this year.  

“Kerosene pollutes both the air and water of the sea. This leads to health issues in fishermen. The Pilot scheme aims to promote environmental sustainability and reduce fuel costs in the State’s marine fisheries sector. We plan to provide training and support to fishermen on the safe handling and operation of LPG-powered motors and gas dispensing systems,” an official explained. 

Published - November 20, 2024 12:30 am IST