IIT Roorkee, IMU-V develop fuel-efficient maritime transport solution

23 Jun 2021 CW Team

The development of several new ports is witnessed by India's broad coastline, even as existing ports are expanded to meet the increasing volumes of marine traffic and enable future maritime trade. Such growing seaport infrastructure needs more Short Endurance Marine Vessels (SEMV) for effective port administration and operation.

The usable life of a generic diesel-engine-driven SEMV is close to 20 years, after which it is decommissioned. Diesel-engine-driven marine vessels should be replaced with zero-emission electric vessels to realise sustainable solutions and reduce carbon footprint at Indian seaports.

HSL researchers adjusted the functioning of power sources (diesel-engine-driven induction generators and batteries) of the tugboats in this collaborative research to meet the load demand while consuming the lowest possible amount of fuel.

The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways funded the research. The Visakhapatnam Port Trust provided important information about the various types of marine vessels, their operational schedules and expected design feasibility.

In collaboration with IMU-V, HSL is also working towards absolute battery-operated SEMV designs and high-efficiency fault-tolerant marine electric powertrains to produce competent zero-emission SEMVs.

It is expected that the adoption of lithium-ion batteries with long life cycles would lead to the commercialisation of absolute battery-operated SEM V as the global market for battery-driven electric vehicles expands.

Faculty-in-Charge, Thanga Raj Chelliah, Hydropower Simulation Lab, told the media that the joint research effort of HSL and IMU-V has led to the achievement of a fuel-efficient maritime transport solution. The methodologies used in the research yielded significant results, providing fuel savings to the extent of 29.86%. This endeavour proves that high-quality research can offer modern, effective, efficient and environmentally friendly business solutions.

Image Source

Indian Maritime University, Visakhapatnam (IMU-V) and the Hydropower Simulation Laboratory (HSL) of IIT Roorkee's collaborative research resulted in developing an environment-friendly and cost-effective maritime transport solution. The development of several new ports is witnessed by India's broad coastline, even as existing ports are expanded to meet the increasing volumes of marine traffic and enable future maritime trade. Such growing seaport infrastructure needs more Short Endurance Marine Vessels (SEMV) for effective port administration and operation. The usable life of a generic diesel-engine-driven SEMV is close to 20 years, after which it is decommissioned. Diesel-engine-driven marine vessels should be replaced with zero-emission electric vessels to realise sustainable solutions and reduce carbon footprint at Indian seaports. HSL researchers adjusted the functioning of power sources (diesel-engine-driven induction generators and batteries) of the tugboats in this collaborative research to meet the load demand while consuming the lowest possible amount of fuel. The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways funded the research. The Visakhapatnam Port Trust provided important information about the various types of marine vessels, their operational schedules and expected design feasibility. In collaboration with IMU-V, HSL is also working towards absolute battery-operated SEMV designs and high-efficiency fault-tolerant marine electric powertrains to produce competent zero-emission SEMVs. It is expected that the adoption of lithium-ion batteries with long life cycles would lead to the commercialisation of absolute battery-operated SEM V as the global market for battery-driven electric vehicles expands. Faculty-in-Charge, Thanga Raj Chelliah, Hydropower Simulation Lab, told the media that the joint research effort of HSL and IMU-V has led to the achievement of a fuel-efficient maritime transport solution. The methodologies used in the research yielded significant results, providing fuel savings to the extent of 29.86%. This endeavour proves that high-quality research can offer modern, effective, efficient and environmentally friendly business solutions. Image Source

Resources

04 Jun 2026

ULCCS Showcases Cooperative Model at UN Symposium

Uralungal Labour Contract Co-operative Society (ULCCS) showcased its community-led development model at the United Nations Headquarters in New York, where it participated as a panellist at the International Symposium on Cooperative Financial Institutions held on 28–29 May 2026.Jointly organised by the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA), the International Cooperative Banking Association (ICBA), and the International Cooperative Alliance (ICA), the symposium was held under the theme ‘Fuelling Inclusive and Equitable Growth’ and brought together policymakers,..

Infrastructure Transport

04 Jun 2026

Delhi Airport to Finalise 20-Year Master Plan

Delhi International Airport Ltd (DIAL) is finalising a 20-year master plan to guide long term infrastructure and operational development at Indira Gandhi International Airport, an official said. The operator expects the plan to reflect changes in the airline industry, shifts in the competitive landscape and evolving infrastructure requirements across terminals, airside and support services. The official said the document is likely to be ready in the next two to two-and-a-half months as the operator moves through planning stages. The plan will be prepared after consultations with airport users ..

Real Estate

04 Jun 2026

Aadhar Housing Finance Targets Rs 500 bn AUM By FY29

Aadhar Housing Finance has set a target to raise its asset under management to Rs 500 billion (bn) by the end of FY29, aiming to achieve this over the next three financial years through an 18-20 per cent loan growth trajectory. The firm focuses on the low-income segment with a ticket size of less than Rs 1.5 million (mn) and has relied on that segment to drive expansion. The company closed FY26 with an AUM of Rs 305.71 bn, reflecting the expansion in recent years, and it reported a net profit rise of 22 per cent to Rs 11.08 bn. Management indicated that gross non-performing assets stood at 1.0..