Hydrogen fuel cell vessel begins service in Varanasi
image for illustrative purpose
New Delhi: The government on Thursday flagged off the commercial operation of the country’s first fully indigenous hydrogen fuel cell passenger vessel at Namo Ghat, Varanasi, marking a major step in its green maritime push. The vessel is the first in India to demonstrate hydrogen fuel cell propulsion in a maritime setting and features fully indigenous technology.
It operates on a ‘Low Temperature Proton Exchange Membrane’ fuel cell system that converts stored hydrogen into electricity, releasing only water as a byproduct. Designed as a 24-meter catamaran for urban transit, the boat can carry 50 passengers in an air-conditioned cabin and runs at a service speed of 6.5 knots.
Its hybrid energy system combines hydrogen fuel cells, batteries and solar power, enabling up to eight hours of operation on a single hydrogen fill. The vessel is certified by the Indian Register of Shipping. Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, said that under the dynamic and visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India is witnessing a transformative shift toward clean, sustainable and self-reliant transportation systems.
