Why is it in News?
- India flagged off its first indigenous hydrogen fuel-cell vessel in Varanasi.
- The event marks a major step toward clean inland waterways transport.
Important Points
- Vessel fully developed and built in India by Cochin Shipyard Ltd.
- Collaboration with Inland Waterways Authority of India.
- Uses LT-PEM hydrogen fuel-cell system.
- Electricity generated from hydrogen creating only water vapour as waste.
- Hybrid design uses hydrogen fuel cells, batteries and solar.
- Aligned with Maritime India Vision and Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision.
- Supports sustainable inland waterways transport.
- Varanasi positioned as hub for green waterway development.