India’s first homegrown hydrogen-powered vessel has begun commercial operations in Varanasi as of December 2025. The 50-passenger, air-conditioned catamaran ferry was built by Cochin Shipyard Limited under the Harit Nauka initiative and was initially launched in February 2024.
The 24-meter vessel runs on a hydrogen fuel cell system combining LT-PEM fuel cells with lithium-ion batteries, producing only water as a byproduct. It offers quiet, zero-emission transport aimed at easing road congestion and promoting tourism along the Ganga River.
Flagged off by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the ferry represents a significant milestone in India’s Green Hydrogen Mission, highlighting the country’s growing capabilities in indigenous clean energy solutions for maritime transport.
