India Launches First Indigenous Hydrogen Fuel Cell Passenger Vessel on the Ganges River
India Launches First Indigenous Hydrogen Fuel Cell Passenger Vessel on the Ganges River
India has reached a significant milestone in its pursuit of zero-emission transport on inland waterways. The country's first fully indigenous hydrogen fuel cell passenger vessel has been commissioned for commercial service on the Ganges River in Varanasi. According to an announcement by pib.gov.in, the vessel is owned by the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) and was constructed by Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL).
The vessel was formally commissioned at a ceremony held at Namo Ghat by Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal. On its inaugural voyage, accompanied by ministers, government officials, and local representatives, the vessel traversed a route of approximately five kilometers between Namo Ghat and Lalita Ghat. With this service launch, Varanasi has become the first city in India to host hydrogen-powered passenger transport on a river.
Technical Specifications and Design
The commissioned vessel has been designed as a 24-meter-long catamaran and is certified by the Indian Register of Shipping. With a capacity of approximately 50 passengers and an air-conditioned cabin, the vessel operates at a service speed of approximately 6.5 knots, suited for inland waterway conditions.
The propulsion system is based on low-temperature proton exchange membrane (PEM) hydrogen fuel cell technology. This system is supported by battery packs and solar panels integrated into the roof. Thanks to this hybrid configuration, the vessel can operate continuously for approximately eight hours on a single hydrogen refueling.
Officials note that the hydrogen fuel cell system produces significantly lower noise and vibration compared to diesel vessels, thereby improving both passenger comfort and reducing environmental impacts on the river ecosystem.
Hydrogen Infrastructure: A Pilot Model
A notable aspect of the project is the simultaneous commissioning of hydrogen refueling infrastructure. A hydrogen refueling facility was specifically established at the multimodal terminal in Ramnagar, Ralhupur for the vessel. This facility is considered a pilot implementation for hydrogen bunkering networks planned to be established across India's inland waterways in the future.
According to officials, this infrastructure presents a scalable model capable of supporting not only a single vessel but also a broader hydrogen-powered fleet that may be commissioned in the coming years.
Indigenous Technology and R&D Dimension
The hydrogen fuel cell system used in the vessel is based on technology developed by KPIT Technologies in collaboration with CSIR (Council of Scientific & Industrial Research) laboratories. This work was undertaken under the New Millennium Indian Technology Leadership Initiative. The developed technology was adapted for maritime applications through collaboration between CSL and IWAI and made ready for commercial deployment.
In this respect, the project represents more than a transport investment; it is a strategic step that combines India's objectives in indigenous technology development, energy transition, and maritime innovation.
Inland Waterways and Sustainability Strategy
The Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI), established in 1986, is a statutory authority responsible for the development and operation of India's national inland waterways. In recent years, IWAI has been undertaking comprehensive projects to make inland waterways more efficient for both freight and passenger transport and to reduce road transport dependency.
This hydrogen fuel cell passenger vessel aligns directly with India's National Green Hydrogen Mission and decarbonisation objectives. The widespread adoption of zero-emission solutions on inland waterways is critical, particularly in densely populated and historically significant cities, for reducing air pollution.
General Assessment
The first indigenous hydrogen fuel cell passenger vessel commissioned on the Ganges River marks the beginning of a clean energy-based transformation in India's inland waterways. This project, which has emerged from the convergence of indigenous engineering, public-private collaboration, and infrastructure investment, demonstrates that India is positioning itself not merely as a user but as a technology developer. If successful, similar hydrogen-powered vessels are expected to be deployed on other rivers across the country.
Key Highlights:
India's first indigenous hydrogen fuel cell passenger vessel has been commissioned in Varanasi.
The vessel is owned by IWAI and constructed by CSL.
Capacity: approximately 50 passengers, length: 24 meters.
Can operate for up to 8 hours on a single refueling.
PEM fuel cell + battery + solar panel hybrid system is employed.
A hydrogen refueling facility has been established in Ralhupur.
The project supports India's green hydrogen and zero-emission objectives.
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News Link: https://en.portnews.ru/news/385748/
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Author: SedatOnat.com
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