First indigenous hydrogen fuel cell catamaran launched in India
The vessel drives green maritime innovation in India’s waterway.
India unveils its first indigenous hydrogen fuel cell catamaran ship as it begins its commercial service in Varanasi.
With a measurement of 24 metres and capacity of 50 passengers, the ship features fully indigenous technology and runs on clean energy propulsion, where it converts hydrogen into electricity and releases water as a byproduct.
Under the operation of Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI), the ship cabin is air-conditioned whilst speeding at seven to nine knots. Its energy system is a combination of hydrogen fuel cells, batteries, and solar power, which can operate for up to eight hours on a single fill.
The vessel is Indian Register of Shipping certified and built by Cochin Shipyard Ltd (CSL).
Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal stated in an event that innovation exemplifies the Make in India initiative as it promotes green mobility and the preservation of Ganga amidst technological advancements in the country.
Its rollout is part of India’s government to reach net-zero emissions by 2070. It is also part of the Maritime India Vision 2030 (MIV 2030) and Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047 (MAKV 2047) government initiatives to modernise, expand, and decarbonize India’s maritime sector.
It also aims to boost local tourism and job opportunities, simultaneously putting Varanasi amongst the world’s first cities to adopt hydrogen-powered passenger transport.
IWAI, Cochin Shipyard Ltd., and Inland and Coastal Shipping Ltd. have signed a tripartite agreement outlining technical support, operations, and oversight to operationalise the vessel.
