India has launched its first indigenously built hydrogen fuel cell passenger vessel into commercial service in Varanasi

¨     India has launched its first indigenously built hydrogen fuel cell passenger vessel into commercial service in Varanasi.

¨     The vessel’s inaugural run was flagged off by Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal from Namo Ghat.

¨     The vessel has been designed and constructed by Cochin Shipyard Ltd. It is being operated by the Inland Waterways Authority of India.

¨     This is the country’s first inland vessel powered by hydrogen fuel cells and uses a Low Temperature Proton Exchange Membrane fuel cell system, which releases only water as its output.

¨     The vessel is a 24-metre air-conditioned catamaran, which can accommodate 50 passengers and run for about eight hours on one hydrogen fill.

¨     It is equipped with a hybrid system. This system integrates hydrogen fuel cells, batteries and solar power.

¨     Its service speed is about 6.5 knots and is certified by the Indian Register of Shipping.

¨     The vessel operates with no noise, no smoke and no emissions.

¨     Its first commercial journey is a five-kilometre stretch from Namo Ghat to Lalita Ghat.