India’s first indigenous hydrogen fuel cell vessel begins commercial service in Varanasi; Sarbananda Sonowal flags off maiden run

India marked a major step in its green maritime push as Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW), Mr Sarbananda Sonowal, flagged off the commercial operation of the country’s first fully indigenous hydrogen fuel cell vessel at Namo Ghat, Varanasi on Thursday.

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 by-product.

Owned by Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI), the vessel was built by Cochin Shipyard Ltd (CSL). The vessel enters service following the completion of trial operations. The rollout aligns with the government’s commitment to reach net-zero emissions by 2070 and supports MoPSW’s efforts to advance clean, sustainable fuels across India’s inland waterways.

The start of commercial service for the hydrogen fuel cell vessel marks a major milestone in India’s effort to build a cleaner and more sustainable maritime ecosystem. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Minister Sonowal, IWAI is pushing the adoption of advanced green technologies and alternative fuels as part of Maritime India Vision 2030 and the Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047.

The vessel 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, highlighted a release.

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