India launches first indigenous hydrogen fuel-cell vessel in Varanasi

• Indigenous hydrogen fuel-cell vessel begins commercial operations in Varanasi, placing India alongside China, Norway, and Japan in hydrogen maritime deployment
• Launch hailed as a national milestone in clean inland waterway transport and green technology leadership

India has officially entered the ranks of countries operating hydrogen-powered vessels, with the launch of its first indigenously built hydrogen fuel-cell ship on the Ganges River in Varanasi. Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal inaugurated the vessel’s commercial deployment at Namo Ghat, describing it as “a symbol of India’s growing technological strength and commitment to green energy.” The event marked a major step in modernising inland waterway transport as part of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s broader decarbonisation and infrastructure strategy

“This is not just technological progress, but a sign that we are advancing confidently towards green energy and indigenous solutions,” Sonowal stated. With this deployment, India joins China, Norway, the Netherlands, and Japan in actively operating hydrogen-powered vessels. The minister added, “This proves that our technical capabilities are ready for the future,” crediting the rollout to “the Prime Minister’s visionary leadership” and the acceleration of clean transport initiatives across sectors.

The launch was attended by several Uttar Pradesh cabinet ministers, including Dayashankar Singh and Ravindra Jaiswal. According to the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, the project is part of a national effort to reduce emissions, increase connectivity, and promote public convenience through green inland shipping solutions. The hydrogen vessel, built domestically, is expected to support future replication across India’s extensive river transport network.