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- The hydrogen-powered vessel is the first in India to demonstrate hydrogen fuel cell propulsion in a riverine and maritime setting.
- Developed using fully indigenous technology, it operates on a Low Temperature Proton Exchange Membrane (LT-PEM) fuel cell system that converts stored hydrogen into electricity, emitting only water—making it a genuinely zero-emission mode of passenger transport.
- This initiative aligns with the government’s long-term vision to achieve net-zero emissions by 2070, and advances the green initiatives under the Maritime India Vision (MIV) 2030 and Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision (MAKV) 2047.
- With the operation of this vessel, India has now joined the list of countries such as China, Norway, the Netherlands, and Japan that operate hydrogen-powered vessels.
- Design and Operational Capabilities:
- Designed as a 24-meter catamaran, the vessel is tailored for urban and tourist transit.
- Key features include:
- Passenger Capacity: 50-seater fully air-conditioned cabin
- Speed: Operational speed of 6.5 knots (7–9 knots max)
- Endurance: Up to eight hours of operation on a single hydrogen fill
- Hybrid System: Integration of hydrogen fuel cells, battery power, and solar energy
- Certification: Indian Register of Shipping
- Institutional Collaboration
- The vessel—owned by the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) and built by Cochin Shipyard Ltd. (CSL)—began operations after successful trials.
- To operationalise the pilot vessel FCV Pilot-01, a tripartite agreement was signed between:
- IWAI
- Cochin Shipyard Ltd.
- Inland and Coastal Shipping Ltd. (ICSL)
- Economic and Environmental Significance
- Zero emissions, with only water as a byproduct.
- Lower noise and vibration, ensuring passenger comfort.
- Reduced congestion by promoting water-based mobility.
- Boost to tourism and local economic activity.
- Strengthening of India’s green technology ecosystem.