On Wednesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated India’s inaugural hydrogen fuel cell ferry, developed and constructed domestically, in Kochi, Kerala. Virtually joining the ceremony from Thoothukudi in Tamil Nadu, the Prime Minister underscored the significance of this milestone.
Aligned with the government’s green agenda, Cochin Shipyard undertook the ambitious task of conceptualizing, designing, and fabricating India’s premier fully indigenous hydrogen fuel cell catamaran. This initiative, part of the Harit Nauka project, serves as a pilot endeavor to showcase the viability of hydrogen fuel cell technology within the maritime domain.
The incorporation of green hydrogen as a maritime propulsion source underscores India’s dedication to a sustainable trajectory, aiming to achieve ‘net zero’ emissions by 2070 to mitigate the impacts of global warming. With its zero emissions, negligible noise, and enhanced energy efficiency, the fuel cell-powered vessel epitomizes India’s commitment to environmentally friendly transportation solutions.
