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Picture Courtesy: www.thehindubusinessline.com

Context: Barracuda, the fastest solar-electric boat in India, stands as a remarkable feat of engineering and innovation, designed and built by a team of students from the Indian Institute of Technology Madras.

Key features and significance

• Fastest Solar-Electric Boat: Barracuda is dubbed as India's fastest solar-electric boat. It's designed by Navalt Solar and Electric Boats and can achieve speeds of up to 12.5 knots (around 23 kmph).
• Eco-Friendly Design: The boat operates solely on clean energy sources. It's powered by twin 50 kW electric motors, a marine-grade LFP battery, and incorporates 6 kW of solar power. This reliance on renewable energy minimizes air pollution and significantly reduces noise and vibration while in operation.
• Versatility and Efficiency: The Barracuda isn't just about speed and eco-friendliness; it's a versatile vessel capable of navigating through rough seas with waves as high as four meters. It can ferry up to 12 passengers and cargo, making it a practical and efficient choice for maritime transportation.
• Range and Durability: On a single charge, the boat boasts a range of seven hours, showcasing its endurance and suitability for various purposes, including as a workboat.
• Recognition and Awards: Navalt Solar and Electric Boats, the company behind the Barracuda, has garnered recognition for its innovation. Winning the world's best start-up award in the mobility and transportation category at the Berlin Start-up Energy Transition Awards 2023 highlights the boat's significance in the global shift towards sustainable transportation.
• Future Implications: The introduction of the Barracuda by Mazagon Dock Limited in Mumbai indicates a step towards embracing eco-friendly alternatives in maritime industries, potentially paving the way for similar sustainable vessels in the future.

Conclusion 

• Barracuda represents a leap towards cleaner, quieter, and more sustainable maritime transportation, demonstrating the potential for innovation and eco-consciousness in the industry.

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