Context: In a move towards eco-friendly maritime transportation, the Barracuda, India’s fastest solar-electric boat, was ceremoniously launched at the Navgathi Panavally Yard in Alappuzha, Kerala.
About Barracuda
- This cutting-edge vessel was jointly developed by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders and Navalt.
- The Barracuda, named after the swift long fish, was designed by Navalt for workboat purposes.
- Mazgaon Dock, the owner of the electric boat, will launch this boat at the Mazgaon dock.
Features
- Top speed of 12.5 knots (23 kmph).
- Range of seven hours on a single charge.
- It has twin 50 kW electric motors, a marine-grade LFP battery, and 6 kW solar power.
- Capacity: It can ferry up to 12 passengers and cargo.
- Dimension: 14-metre-long, 4.4-metre-wide vessel.
About Navalt Solar and electric boats
- It won the world’s best start-up award in the mobility and transportation category at the Berlin Start-up Energy Transition Awards 2023.
- The firm that operates from Kochi has also received various prestigious awards, including the Gustave Trouve Awards twice.