India’s First Indigenous Hydrogen Fuel-Cell Vessel in Varanasi

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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.