Sarbananda Sonowal flags off India’s first hydrogen-powered passenger vessel on River Ganga

Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal on Thursday flagged off the commercial operation of the country’s first fully indigenous hydrogen fuel cell-based passenger vessel from Namo Ghat in Varanasi. The vessel is the first commercial demonstration of hydrogen fuel cell propulsion technology in the maritime and inland water transport sector in India and is based on 100 percent indigenous technology.

This initiative is a significant step towards adopting green technology and achieving the net-zero emissions target by 2070, as envisioned under the Maritime India Vision 2030 and Amrit Kaal Vision 2047.

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Powered by a low-temperature proton exchange membrane fuel cell system, the vessel converts stored hydrogen into electricity and releases only pure water as a byproduct.

On the occasion, Mr. Sonowal said, “Under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India is rapidly moving towards clean, sustainable, and self-reliant transportation systems. The launch of the country’s first indigenous hydrogen-powered vessel today is a living testament to the prime minister’s commitment to ‘Make in India’ and green transportation. This achievement also strengthens our broader mission of rejuvenating and conserving the Ganges River.”

This 24-meter-long catamaran vessel, owned by the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI), has been manufactured by Cochin Shipyard Limited. After successful completion of trials, it has been inducted into commercial service.

The fully air-conditioned vessel, with a capacity of 50 passengers, is powered by a hybrid system of hydrogen fuel cells, batteries, and solar energy. With a single hydrogen refueling, it can operate continuously for eight hours at a speed of 7-9 nautical miles per hour.

A tripartite agreement has been signed between IWAI, Cochin Shipyard Limited, and Inland & Coastal Shipping Limited for this project, which includes provisions for technical support, operation, safety standards, and regular inspections.

The operation of the hydrogen vessel will provide passengers with a noise-free, smoke-free, and pollution-free travel experience. It will also reduce road traffic congestion by utilizing waterways and create new opportunities for local tourism and employment. Varanasi has become one of the select cities in the world to launch hydrogen-powered public passenger transport.

The event was attended by several dignitaries, including Uttar Pradesh Minister of State for Transport (Independent Charge) Ravindra Jaiswal, Transport Minister Dayashankar Singh, and Minister of State (Independent Charge) Dr. Daya Shankar Mishra ‘Dayalu’ along with others.