Sun Boat, a solar-powered boat developed by the Central Institute of Fisheries Technology, was launched here on Sunday.
K. Babu, Minster for Fisheries and Excise, launched the vessel at a function held at Njarakkal fish farm.
The twin-hulled boat can be used in aqua farms, fishing, transportation and aqua tourism.
As the vessel is propelled by solar power, it does not cause atmospheric or sound pollution. It has good deck space and is suitable for shallow waters.
Though the vessel is costlier than the conventional ones, it saves considerably on fuel cost, according to a communication issued by the Institute.
T.K Srinivasa Gopal, Director of the Institute was present on the occasion.
M.V. Baiju, naval architect; K.S. Sajeevan, manager, aqua division; S. Girija, director, National Institute of Fisheries and Post Harvest Technology and Training; R.C. Sinha, director, Central Institute of Fisheries Nautical and Engineering Training; Leela Edwin and M.P. Ramesan of Fishing Technology Division spoke.
