India’s first indigenous hydrogen fuel-cell vessel begins commercial service in Varanasi
Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal on Thursday flagged off the commercial operation of India’s first indigenous hydrogen fuel-cell passenger vessel at Namo Ghat in Varanasi.
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 (LT-PEM) fuel cell system that converts stored hydrogen into electricity, releasing only water as a byproduct.
Speaking on the occasion, Union Minister Sonowal said, “India is witnessing a transformative shift toward clean, sustainable and self-reliant transportation systems.”
The boat can carry 50 passengers in an air-conditioned cabin and runs eight hours on a single hydrogen fill.
Cochin Shipyard Ltd. and Inland and Coastal Shipping Ltd. have signed a tripartite agreement outlining technical support, operations and oversight.