At Cochin Shipyard Ltd, the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways chose to develop and build India’s first indigenous hydrogen-fueled electric vessels (CSL). This has sparked the country’s efforts to promote green shipping. The goal to create hydrogen-fueled electric vessels, according to Shipping Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, is keeping up with the Global Maritime Green Transitions.
According to an official announcement, “the Hydrogen Fuel Cell Vessel based on Low Temperature Proton Exchange Membrane Technology (LT-PEM) named Fuel Cell Electric Vessel (FCEV) is projected to cost roughly Rs. 17.50 crores, of which 75% will be sponsored by the centre.”
Hydrogen Fuel cells can be used in a wide range of applications, including transportation, material handling, stationary, portable, and emergency backup power applications.
“Fuel cells operating on hydrogen fuel are an efficient, environmentally-friendly, zero emission, direct current (DC) power source already applied to heavy duty bus, truck, and train applications, and are now under development for marine applications,” the statement added. CSL has partnered with KPIT Technologies Limited and Indian developers in the areas of Hydrogen Fuel cell, power train and Indian Register of Shipping for developing rules and regulation for such vessels.
