Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 28 February, 2024 virtually launched India’s first hydrogen fuel cell ferry, a product of indigenous development built by Cochin Shipyard (CSL).

The inland waterway vessel is part of the Harit Nauka initiative, a pilot project aimed at showcasing the technology for the maritime sector. In line with the government’s green vision, Cochin Shipyard took up a project to design, develop and construct India’s first fully indigenous hydrogen fuel cell ferry vessel to demonstrate the technology for the maritime sector. Moreover, it boasts zero emission, zero noise and is energy efficient.

The inauguration of the fuel cell ferry will provide impetus for using hydrogen in marine application as envisaged under National Green Hydrogen Mission. The vessel is a 24-mtrs.long catamaran, which can carry 50 people in its air-conditioned passenger area. The accommodation area is constructed with high-quality fiberglass reinforced plastic, similar to metro train coaches.

The vessel, manufactured by CSL, will be deployed for service at Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh. The ferry will be handed over to the Inland Waterways Authority of India by the CSL after trials.