International Fleet Review 2016: Navy to showcase warship running on biofuel at Vizag

Among the intimidating aircraft carriers and destroyers lined up at the Vizag harbour for the International Fleet Review 2016 is a small patrol craft, distinguished only by the green bands it sports, that might well be the future of the Indian Navy

VISAKHAPATNAM: Among the intimidating aircraft carriers and destroyers lined up at the Vizag harbour for the International Fleet Review 2016 is a small patrol craft, distinguished only by the green bands it sports, that might well be the future of the Indian Navy. 

For the first time, the navy is showcasing awarship that runs completely on biofuel. 

"We have undertaken initiatives to run our warships on alternate fuel and during the international fleet review, one of our smaller ships will be running on bio fuel," navy chief admiral RK Dhowan told ET, adding that the green initiative is in the trial phase right now.

The pilot project could in the not so distant future lead to larger combatants operating in ecologically sensitive zones switching to the green fuel. 

"This is an in house innovation with the help of the industry," Dhowan said, adding that several other navies across the world are also experimenting with clean fuel. 

While the Indian Navy plans to go for biofuel in a big way, the US Navy last month sent its first 'great green fleet', powered only by alternative fuel sources, to sea. The fleet, consisting of several large combatants, was sent for operations in the Pacific Ocean. 

The Indian Navy has prepared a green roadmap that includes powering its bases across the coastline with renewable energy, reducing its carbon footprint and recycling waste among other initiatives. Dhowan said some navy establishments have undertaken unique initiatives to reduce its carbon footprint. 

"The Karwar base has a zero carbon footprint and in its second (expansion) phase, every aspect of clean and green energy will be integrated," he said.


(Source : economictimes.indiatimes.com)

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