India’s first-ever green hydrogen-powered ferry, built indigenously by Cochin Shipyard Ltd (CSL), is set to begin operations in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh. The 50-passenger capacity vessel recently received clearance from the Indian Register of Shipping (IRS) after completing six months of successful trial runs.

The ferry, powered by a hydrogen fuel cell and battery system using Low-Temperature Proton Exchange Membrane (LT-PEM) technology, emits only water and heat, ensuring zero pollution. It can operate silently at a speed of 6.5 knots and requires minimal maintenance due to the absence of moving parts. Five hydrogen cylinders on board hold a total of 40 kg of hydrogen, enabling eight hours of continuous operation.

This development aligns with broader ambitions to transition to clean fuels in India’s maritime sector. The Kochi Water Metro, which currently operates electric-hybrid ferries also built by CSL, is now reconsidering green hydrogen ferries, supported by subsidies from ANERT (Agency for New and Renewable Energy Research and Technology).

The initial reluctance to adopt hydrogen fuel due to high operational costs and limited supply is now shifting. Industry sources note a significant price drop, with hydrogen fuel now available at ₹360/kg, down from ₹960/kg two years ago. Reliance has established a pilot hydrogen refuelling station in Jamnagar, while BPCL and Cochin International Airport Ltd are jointly developing South India’s first green hydrogen plant in Kochi, capable of producing 80 kg daily.

The green hydrogen ferry is scheduled to operate on the Kashi-Prayagraj route. CSL has also begun constructing two Sea Shuttle Feeder Container Vessels running on green hydrogen. Each is expected to reduce up to 25,000 tonnes of CO₂ emissions per year in zero-emission mode.

Officials see the ferry as a model for sustainable inland waterway transport and a milestone in India’s clean energy transition. With the successful clearance and deployment of this vessel, India is taking a crucial step toward establishing a hydrogen-powered maritime ecosystem.

Source: 

https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/kerala/2025/Aug/04/1st-ever-green-hydrogen-ferry-all-set-for-varanasi-voyage