BARRACUDA Syllabus GS Paper 3 - Sci and Tech)

Context: Recently, taking ahead the cause of eco-friendly maritime transportation, Barracuda, said to be India's fastest solar-electric boat, was launched at the yard of Navalt Solar and Electric Boats, located off Aroor in Alappuzha.

India’s Fastest Solar-Electric Boat

• About: The Barracuda, hailed as India's fastest solar-electric boat, was launched at the Navalt Solar and Electric Boats yard in Aroor, Alappuzha.
• Purpose: Named after the swift and long fish, Barracuda is designed by Navalt to operate as a workboat in rough seas, capable of ferrying up to 12 passengers and cargo.
• Specifications: The 14-meter-long, 4.4-meter-wide vessel can reach a top speed of 12.5 knots (23 km/h) and has a range of seven hours on a single charge.

oIt is equipped with twin 50 kW electric motors, a marine-grade LFP battery, and 6 kW solar power.

• Launch Presence: The vessel was built for Mazagon Dock and will be introduced at its Mumbai dock.
• Environmental Impact: Barracuda can navigate through waves as tall as four meters and operates silently without noise, vibration, and air pollution.
• Contribution: Aims to contribute to a cleaner and quieter ocean by offering affordable alternatives to conventional fossil-fueled boats.
• Recognition and Awards: The boat received the world's best startup award in the mobility and transportation category at the Berlin Start-Up Energy Transition Awards 2023.

oNavalt Solar and Electric Boats, operating from Kochi, has also been honored with various prestigious awards, including the Gustave Trouve Awards twice.