Pilot project to save fuel, reduce carbon dioxide emissions

As many as 200 stay-fishing boats operating from Marthandanthurai and Neerodi in Tamil Nadu and Pozhiyoor in Thiruvananthapuram may soon use solar energy to power their onboard lights and navigation and communication equipment. The Association of Deep Sea Going Artisanal Fishermen (ADSGAF) and the Bay of Bengal Programme Intergovernmental Organisation (BOBP-IGO) are gearing up for a pilot project to equip the vessels with solar panels and storage batteries. Powered by outboard engines, the stay-fishing boats with open decks have a range of 60 to 70 nautical miles and remain at sea for up to five days.