Latest news with #SelectiveCatalyticReduction
CairoScene
4 days ago
- Business
- CairoScene
Suez Canal's 'Ismailia 1' Becomes Middle East's Largest Rescue Tug
The launch of Ismailia 1 marks a milestone in Egypt's maritime strategy, with eco-friendly design, high bollard pull, and plans to expand shipbuilding across national and private sectors. Jun 18, 2025 The Suez Canal Authority (SCA) has introduced the Middle East's most powerful rescue tug, Ismailia 1, as part of its ongoing effort to modernise canal operations and enhance environmental sustainability. Built by Alexandria Shipyard (ASY), the vessel is the first of two tugs commissioned to support the authority's fleet. With a bollard pull capacity of 190 tons, Ismailia 1 measures 71.6 metres in length, 18.5 metres in width, has a draft of 7 metres, and can reach speeds of up to 16 knots. The tug is equipped with a Dynamic Positioning (DP) system for precision manoeuvring and a Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) system that reduces carbon emissions — a key element of the SCA's 'Green Canal' initiative. The launch marks the most extensive expansion of the SCA's tugboat fleet in three decades. Thirty new vessels have already been added, with bollard pull capacities ranging from 9 to 190 tons, aimed at strengthening canal operations and emergency response capabilities. The project also aligns with Egypt's broader maritime strategy to enhance domestic shipbuilding capacity and foster strategic industrial partnerships. Alexandria Shipyard, founded in 1962 and operating under the Ministry of Defence, has been a central force in the country's maritime sector, responsible for a large share of Egypt's commercial fleet and the nation's only domestically built oil rig. The construction of Ismailia 1 supports the SCA's localisation goals by developing internal manufacturing capabilities in collaboration with public institutions and private sector partners. The second vessel in the series, Ismailia 2, is expected to be delivered in the fourth quarter of 2025.
Hans India
30-05-2025
- Business
- Hans India
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Dedicates to the Nation- Unit-1 (660 MW) of Ghatampur Thermal Power Project
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi today dedicated Unit-1(660 MW) of Ghatampur Thermal Power Project (3x660 MW) in Kanpur Nagar district, Uttar Pradesh, to the Nation, marking a landmark achievement in India's energy sector. This ambitious Power Project is a flagship initiative by Neyveli Uttar Pradesh Power Ltd (NUPPL), a collaboration of NLC India Limited (51%) and Uttar Pradesh Rajya Vidyut Utpadan Nigam Limited (UPRVUNL) (49%). The project comprises three supercritical thermal power units of 660 MW each, adding up to a substantial 1,980 MW of installed capacity. This initiative aims to meet the growing electricity demand in Uttar Pradesh and other states, enhancing energy security while aligning with the Nation's commitment to sustainable and reliable power generation. With a total project cost of ₹21,780.94 crore, remaining two units of the Ghatampur Thermal Power Project are expected to be commissioned by FY 2025-26. A total of 998.81 hectares of land was acquired for its development. The power purchase agreement (PPA) has been made for1487.28 MW i.e 75.12% of the power generated with Uttar Pradesh and 492.72 MW i.e 24.88% with Assam, subject to actual transfer of 20% equity share of UPRVUNL in NUPPL in favour of Govt. Of Assam. The Ghatampur Thermal Power Project has adopted advanced environmental technologies, including Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) and Flue Gas Desulphurization (FGD) technologies for reducing NOx and (SOx) emissions respectively. Furthermore, the project will have a zero liquid discharge (ZLD) system in place to ensure no water is discharged from the plant. A total of 288 kilometers of canal lining works are being undertaken to conserve 195 MLD of water by preventing seepage losses. The project is equipped with sophisticated monitoring devices, including Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Stations (AAQMS) and Continuous Emissions Monitoring Systems (CEMS). The coal-based supercritical boilers at the plant have a boiler efficiency of 88.81%, ensuring efficient energy generation. The coal stockyard capacity is designed to store 10.165 LMT of coal for 30 days of operation at full load for all three units. The plant's raw water reservoirs have a combined capacity of approximately 46 lakh cubic meters, split between two compartments. The plant features an advanced substation automation system and efficient power evacuation through a 765 kV GIS system. It also includes a captive coal block with a production capacity of 9 MTPA, ensuring uninterrupted fuel supply for long-term operations. This state-of-the-art thermal power station reflects the Ministry's unwavering commitment to enhancing power availability, promoting sustainable development, and advancing the vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat. Equipped with advanced technology and environmental safeguards, the project, is expected to generate large-scale direct/indirect employment and spur socio-economic development in the region. The inauguration of the Ghatampur Thermal Power Project by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi marks a transformative moment for the energy sector, particularly for Uttar Pradesh and other states. With its robust design, advanced emission control systems, and assured coal linkage, the project is poised to provide reliable and affordable power for years to come. The Ministry of Coal is committed to such initiatives, reaffirming the Government of India's resolve to build a self-reliant, energy-secure, and environmentally responsible future for the Thermal Power Project, Narendra Modi, supercritical thermal power, Uttar Pradesh energy, sustainable power generation, advanced emission control
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Business Standard
26-05-2025
- Automotive
- Business Standard
Ageing truck fleet rekindle commercial vehicle makers' revival hopes
After several sluggish years, India's truck market remains in a challenging phase, with the average fleet age now at a historic high of 9 – 9.5 years — up from the earlier 7–7.5 years. This rise reflects a broader concern — weakening cyclical demand that has delayed fleet renewal across the industry. However, a turnaround may be on the horizon. Industry experts predict mid-single-digit growth in the Medium and Heavy Commercial Vehicle (MHCV) segment in FY26, driven by an expected uptick in replacement demand. Tempering optimism, truck owners, however, strike a note of caution. The transition from BS IV to BS VI standards led to a 50 per cent increase in truck EMIs, along with additional operational expenses and a persistent shortage of skilled drivers in the sector. 'We anticipate growth on the trucks this year, especially after two softer years. The fleet age is at its peak now, which should spur replacements,' said KM Balaji, CFO of Ashok Leyland. He pointed to a robust rebound in the bus segment, where sales rose from 53,000 to 64,000 units in just a year, and projected a similar mid-single-digit growth trajectory for MHCVs. Tata Motors echoes this sentiment. 'We expect single-digit growth across segments, with HCVs and buses slightly outperforming ILMCV and SCV pickups,' said Girish Wagh, executive director and head of commercial vehicles, during the company's Q4 earnings call. Despite the cautious optimism, truck owners remain wary. The transition from BS IV to BS VI norms has substantially raised costs —monthly truck EMIs have surged by 50 per cent, alongside additional operational and maintenance expenses. 'We now pay ₹90,000 in EMI for a 12-wheel truck, up from ₹60,000 before BS VI,' said K Arul, secretary of the Namakkal Taluk Lorry Owners Association. Namakkal is a key logistics hub in South India. The BS VI upgrade requires sophisticated emission control systems, including Diesel Particulate Filters and Selective Catalytic Reduction units — adding to both purchase and running costs. Meanwhile, a shortage of skilled drivers, despite salaries averaging ₹ 40,000 per month, continues to weigh on fleet operations. Another factor holding back demand is the post-Covid slowdown in freight movement. 'Freight hasn't recovered fully, and without that, there's no incentive to buy expensive new trucks,' Arul explained. The policy shifts may offer a glimmer of hope. The Vehicle Scrappage Policy, in effect since April 2022, mandates emissions and fitness tests for commercial vehicles over 15 years old. Non-compliant vehicles face scrapping, nudging operators toward new purchases. 'The average fleet age rose to 9.5 years due to extended use of vehicles by second owners who couldn't afford replacements,' noted Ravi Bhatia, President of JATO Dynamics. 'But this trend may reverse as policy and market pressures drive renewals.' Yet, fleet owners argue that incentives remain insufficient. 'Scrapping only gives us ₹3–4 lakh, while a new truck costs around ₹50 lakh. How can we bridge that gap?' Arul added.
