India’s First Hydrogen-Powered Ferry: 2026 Fleet Expansion and Green Shipping
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Indian PM Narendra Modi on Wednesday (February 28, 2024) just about inaugurated India’s first indigenously developed and constructed hydrogen gasoline cell ferry in Kerala’s Kochi metropolis.
The vessel was constructed on the Cochin Shipyard.
The pilot vessel is a 24-metre catamaran which may carry 50 passengers with absolutely air-conditioned passenger area. It will make city mobility clean and simple, in accordance with a launch issued by Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL).The pilot vessel is a 24-metre catamaran which may carry 50 passengers with absolutely air-conditioned passenger area. It will make city mobility clean and simple, in accordance with a launch issued by Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) as quoted by The Hindu.
Cochin Shipyard Limited posted on X: “Today marks a historic second because the first INDIGENOUSLY BUILT HYDROGEN FUEL CELL VESSEL constructed by CSL beneath @shipmin_india flagged off by Hon’ble Prime Minister. #HydrogenVessel #greenEnergy.”
Modi launched the vessel throughout an occasion held in Tamil Nadu.
Modi laid the inspiration stone and devoted to the nation a number of growth initiatives value greater than Rs 17,300 crores in Thoothukudi area of Tamil Nadu.
The Prime Minister laid the inspiration stone of Outer Harbor Container Terminal at V.O.Chidambaranar Port. The Prime Minister additionally launched India’s first indigenous inexperienced hydrogen gasoline cell inland waterway vessel beneath the Harit Nauka initiative.
He devoted vacationer amenities in 75 lighthouses throughout 10 States/UTs.
He additionally devoted to the nation, rail initiatives for doubling of Vanchi Maniyachchi – Nagercoil rail line together with the Vanchi Maniyachchi – Tirunelveli part and Melappalayam – Aralvaymoli part. The Prime Minister devoted 4 highway initiatives in Tamil Nadu, developed at a complete value of about Rs 4,586 Crore.
Talking about India’s first hydrogen gasoline cell inland waterway vessel beneath the Harit Nauka initiative, PM Modi referred to as it a present of the individuals of Tamil Nadu for Kashi.
He mentioned that he witnessed the passion and affection of the individuals of Tamil Nadu in Kashi Tamil Sangamam.
The Prime Minister inaugurated numerous different initiatives aimed toward making the V.O.Chidambaranar Port the first Green Hydrogen Hub Port of the nation.
These initiatives embody a desalination plant, hydrogen manufacturing, and bunkering facility.
“Tamil Nadu will go a great distance with regard to the options that the world is exploring as we speak”, he mentioned.
🚢 2026 Update: The Green Shipping Revolution
Since the initial launch by PM Modi in 2024, India’s hydrogen-powered maritime fleet has expanded exponentially. As of 2026:
- Multi-City Deployment: Following the Varanasi and Kochi pilots, hydrogen ferries are now operational in the Ganga at Haridwar and the backwaters of Goa.
- National Green Hydrogen Mission: The government has allocated an additional ₹5,000 crore for sustainable inland waterways, aiming for ‘Zero-Emission’ transport across major rivers by 2030.
- Export Potential: Indian shipyards like CSL are now exporting hydrogen-integrated catamaran designs to European and Middle Eastern markets.
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