India advanced its green maritime initiative on Thursday as Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal inaugurated the commercial operations of the country’s first fully indigenous hydrogen fuel-cell passenger vessel at Namo Ghat in Varanasi.
This vessel is the first in India to demonstrate hydrogen fuel-cell propulsion in inland waters and is built entirely with domestic technology. It uses a low-temperature Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) fuel cell system that converts stored hydrogen into electricity, producing only water as the by-product.
Highlighting the significance of the launch, Sonowal said, “Under the dynamic and visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji, India is undergoing a major shift toward clean, sustainable and self-reliant transportation. The commissioning of our first indigenous hydrogen fuel-cell vessel reflects the Prime Minister’s commitment to Make in India and the wider move toward green mobility across all sectors. This achievement also contributes to the mission of rejuvenating the Ganga. As we advance cleaner technologies on our waterways, we ensure innovation progresses alongside ecological responsibility.”
Owned by the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) and built by Cochin Shipyard Ltd (CSL), the vessel has entered service after completing its trial runs. Its rollout supports India’s pledge to achieve net-zero emissions by 2070 and aligns with the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways’ push to adopt clean fuels across inland waterways.
The start of commercial operations marks a major step in India’s efforts to develop a sustainable maritime ecosystem. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi and Minister Sonowal, IWAI is promoting advanced green technologies and alternative fuels as part of Maritime India Vision 2030 and the long-term Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047.
Sonowal added, “The successful deployment of this hydrogen fuel-cell vessel demonstrates our ministry’s strong commitment to accelerating India’s shift toward cleaner waterways. I congratulate Cochin Shipyard Ltd. for delivering this pioneering vessel and IWAI for inducting it into service after extensive trials. This milestone reinforces our resolve to meet India’s 2070 net-zero targets and integrate cutting-edge green technologies into inland water transport.”
The 24-meter catamaran, designed for urban transit, can carry 50 passengers in an air-conditioned cabin and operates at a service speed of 6.5 knots. Its hybrid energy system — combining hydrogen fuel cells, batteries and solar power — enables up to eight hours of operation on a single hydrogen refill. The vessel is certified by the Indian Register of Shipping.
To operationalise the pilot vessel, FCV Pilot-01, IWAI, CSL and Inland and Coastal Shipping Ltd have signed a tripartite agreement covering technical support, operations and oversight. The agreement outlines financial terms, safety protocols, monitoring systems and procedures for periodic inspections during the pilot phase.
The hydrogen-powered vessel offers significant advantages for urban water transport, including noise-free travel, zero smoke and zero emissions, with only water released during operation. It is expected to ease road congestion by offering faster water-based mobility, boost local tourism and generate employment. Varanasi is set to become one of the first cities globally to adopt hydrogen-powered passenger transport. The fully air-conditioned vessel can operate for up to eight hours on stored hydrogen and runs at speeds of 7 to 9 knots, powered entirely by indigenous, eco-friendly systems.
The vessel’s inaugural five-kilometre journey from Namo Ghat to Lalita Ghat carried ministers, senior officials and dignitaries, marking the formal start of commercial hydrogen-powered passenger services on the Ganga (National Waterway 1).
Following the adoption of hybrid-electric catamarans, the induction of this hydrogen fuel-cell vessel further strengthens IWAI’s long-term strategy to modernise and decarbonise India’s inland water transport network.
