Ksatria Airlangga Floating Hospital (RSTKA), which is three meters tall and 27 meters long, has a similar shape as ships in general. However, on the roof of this ship, eight pieces of solar panels are installed as a power source. RSTKA seeks to sail more environmentally friendly. Ship engines, which previously used fuel oil (BBM), are now hybrid by utilizing alternative energy.
“Since October 2021, RSTKA ships have been using solar panels. The cost of fuel can be reduced by using these solar panels,” said Mudatsir, captain of the RSTKA ship.
Mudatsir mentioned that the use of 1,500 liters of diesel fuel, which usually costs 15 million per month, can be decreased to as much as 500 liters at the cost of 10 million per month. “We’re glad because with these solar panels, it can be cost-effective,” he said.
“Solar heat from solar panels accommodates power in the battery, then it is directly connected to the electrical needs on the ship, especially for this RSTKA ship, there is medical equipment that must always be sterile and need electrical energy,” explained Mudatsir.
He added that the capacity of the solar panels themselves reaches 1800 watts. Although the source of electricity from the RSTKA ship is still hybrid, Mudatsir feels that the use of solar panels can reduce dependence on diesel fuel.
Independent waste management
In addition to using solar panels as a more environmentally friendly sailing effort, Mudatsir also shared how RSTKA manages the waste produced.
“On the way to East Nusa Tenggara, we started sorting waste based on organic and inorganic types, the organic waste is processed into oil or fuel,” he said. Meanwhile, inorganic waste is handed over to communities on the mainland for further recycling.
Waste pollution can be minimized by sorting and utilizing organic and inorganic waste. Until now, RSTKA ships continue to reduce the use of oil fuel and implement waste management. It is done so that the humanitarian sailing to provide healthcare services carried out does not cause more pollution. RSTKA always supports the implementation of environmentally friendly activities. (*)