India’s Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW) Minister Sarbananda Sonowal has launched the commercial operations of the country’s first hydrogen fuel cell-powered passenger vessel at Namo Ghat in Varanasi.
The inaugural journey covered 5km from Namo Ghat to Lalita Ghat with ministers and officials aboard to mark the start of services along National Waterway 1 (the river Ganga).
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The vessel operates with a Low Temperature Proton Exchange Membrane fuel cell system, which converts hydrogen into electricity and produces water as byproduct.
The introduction of this hydrogen-powered vessel will offer quieter travel on urban waterways, eliminate emissions other than water vapor from operations, reduce road traffic congestion through increased waterway transport capacity, encourage local tourism growth, provide employment opportunities in Varanasi, said the ministry.
The Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) owns the vessel and it was constructed by Cochin Shipyard. All technology used in building the vessel was developed domestically, said MoPSW.
The Indian Register of Shipping has certified the vessel.
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By GlobalDataMinister Sonowal said: “The successful deployment of this hydrogen fuel cell vessel reflects the deep commitment of our ministry to accelerate India’s transition toward clean and sustainable waterways. I congratulate Cochin Shipyard for delivering this pioneering vessel and the Inland Waterways Authority of India for taking it into commercial service after rigorous trials. This achievement is a testament to our resolve to meet India’s net-zero targets by 2070 and to integrate cutting-edge green technologies across the inland water transport sector.”
The catamaran measures 24m, is intended for urban passenger transportation, can accommodate 50 passengers in an air-conditioned cabin, and cruises at a service speed of 6.5k.
It uses hydrogen fuel cells along with batteries and solar panels for power, allowing it to operate up to eight hours per fill of hydrogen.
MoPSW reports that IWAI formed an agreement with Cochin Shipyard and Inland and Coastal Shipping to enable the operation of the pilot vessel FCV Pilot-01.
The agreement covers technical support, operations management, financial terms, safety protocols, monitoring procedures, and inspection requirements throughout the pilot phase.
The rollout also supports government objectives to achieve net-zero emissions by 2070 and contributes to ongoing efforts within the ministry to promote clean fuels along India’s inland waterways.
IWAI is advancing the use of green technologies and alternative fuels under Maritime India Vision 2030 and Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047 initiatives.
Sonowal added: “As we advance cleaner technologies on our waterways, we are not only promoting innovation but also ensuring that development goes hand in hand with ecological responsibility.”
