Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday inaugurated India’s first Hydrogen-powered ferry.
The PM inaugurated the indigenously developed hydrogen fuel cell ferry, remotely from Thoothukudi in Tamil Nadu.
India’s first hydrogen-powered ferry
“Today, Bharat’s first hydrogen fuel ferry has been launched. This ferry will soon be operating in Kashi’s Ganga river also. This, in a way, is a great present from Tamil Nadu’s people to the people of Kashi,” PM Modi said.
Modi said increasing connectivity due to the consistent efforts of the Central Government has enhanced ‘ease of living’ in Tamil Nadu. Development of the maritime sector also means the development of a state like Tamil Nadu.
The new projects are an important part of the roadmap for a developed India, he said.
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Built by Cochin Shipyard
Developed and built by the Cochin Shipyard in Kerala, the hydrogen-powered vessel represents a milestone in sustainable transportation. The hydrogen fuel cell ferry, designed in a catamaran model, will commence operations in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, revolutionising short-distance travel in the region. With a capacity to accommodate up to 50 passengers, this fully refrigerated ferry promises to offer both efficiency and eco-friendliness in its service.
On its first trip, the vessel constructed for the Inland Water Authority of India travelled from CSL to the high court Water Metro terminal in Kochi.
A step towards green future
According to CSL, the hydrogen ferry was built as a pilot project as part of the central government’s plans to stop greenhouse gas emissions in India by 2070.
“The project is part of efforts to adopt hydrogen as a maritime fuel. The ferry emits no polluting gases. Energy usage is also efficient. In effect, it also helps in reducing global warming impact,” CSL said in a statement.
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The entire system, encompassing the fuel cell, power train, energy storage system, power management system, and control system, has been meticulously designed, developed, integrated, and tested at KPIT’s factory before being installed on the vessel, it said.
