Roads, Highways, Cargo, Air-Cargo and Logistics infrastructure – Bharatmala, LEEP, SetuBharatam, etc.
India’s First Hydrogen Fuel Cell Ferry: A Technological Marvel
Mains GS3: GS3-13.Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc:
In the news
- Prime Minister has unveiled India’s maiden indigenous hydrogen fuel cell ferry, a groundbreaking achievement in the country’s maritime sector.
About Harit Nauka Initiative
- In January 2024, the Shipping Ministry unveiled the guidelines for inland vessels.
- As per the guidelines, all states have to make efforts to use green fuels for 50 per cent of inland waterways-based passenger fleets in the next one decade, and 100 per cent by 2045.
- This is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions as per the Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047.
|
Hydrogen Fuel Cell Ferry: Key Features
- Design: The 24-meter-long catamaran ferry accommodates up to 50 passengers in its air-conditioned area, constructed with high-quality fiberglass reinforced plastic.
- Manufacture: Manufactured by Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL), the vessel will revolutionize water transportation and contribute to India’s green mobility initiatives.
- Propulsion: Powered by a 50-kW Proton-Exchange Membrane (PEM) fuel cell and Lithium-Ion Phosphate batteries, the vessel operates with zero emissions and minimal noise, offering enhanced energy efficiency.
- Energy Source: Hydrogen fuel, stored in five cylinders onboard, fuels the vessel’s propulsion system, supplemented by a 3-kW solar panel for additional energy generation.
Operational Mechanism
- Hydrogen Fuel Cells: The vessel utilizes hydrogen fuel cells to generate electricity by harnessing the chemical energy of hydrogen, emitting only pure water as a byproduct.
- Continuous Operation: Unlike conventional batteries, hydrogen fuel cells do not require recharging, ensuring continuous operation with uninterrupted fuel and oxygen supply.
Indigenous Development
- Collaborative Effort: Cochin Shipyard Limited spearheaded the vessel’s construction, incorporating indigenous hydrogen fuel cell systems developed by KPIT Technologies and Council of Scientific and Industrial Research Labs.
- Early Mover Advantage: India’s pioneering hydrogen fuel cell ferry underscores the nation’s commitment to green technology and positions it as a frontrunner in maritime sustainability.