The Sentinel | Hardeep Singh Puri Flags Off Ferry Powered by Methanol Blended Diesel

Jan 24,2023

Union Minister of Petroleum, Natural Gas, Housing and Urban Affairs, Hardeep Singh Puri flagged off a new ferry today in Guwahati. The speciality of this ferry is that it runs on Methanol Blended Diesel. Minister of State for Petroleum, Natural Gas, Labour and Employment, Rameshwar Teli was also present for the launch. 

This ferry has been named SB Gangadhar and has the capacity to carry fifty people. Two Ruston diesel engines power this new ferry. The fuel used for the vessel is called MD15, which has a 15% blending of methanol with diesel which is aimed to lower the consumption of pure diesel.

Methanol has a lower energy output compared to conventional fuels, but can be generated from a variety of recyclable natural resources including bamboo and sugarcane leftovers. This ferry is a demo project ahead of methanol blending in fuel for use in the transportation sector. This may be so road, water and rail-based transport systems. It will also be implemented in the energy sector to power digital generators, boilers, heaters and farm equipment as well as for cooking to replace traditional fuels like wood and kerosene.

Not only does the use of methanol help in reducing the need for fuel imports, but it also helps in reducing carbon emissions. Since it is manufactured under controlled environments, the amount of other pollutants like greenhouse gases and particulate matter are also reduced compared to the use of only diesel.

This launch of a demo maritime vehicle for transportation on the Brahmaputra is being called the precursor to the upcoming India Energy Week 2023. To be hosted in Bangalore from February 6-8, this event aims to explore alternative energy sources for powering different systems across the world. It is one of the main events India is planning to host during its G20 presidency towards the promotion of alternate fuels.