Cochin Shipyard (CSL) has commenced fabrication of its first pilot hydrogen fuel cell vessel. The state-owned shipyard said this is India’s first fully indigenous zero emission fuel cell vessel project.
“This vessel is expected to propel India to a strong position on the global front as among the first movers in this niche & emerging technology,” the company said in a tweet from its official twitter account @cslcochin. The fabrication of the new vessel was kicked-off by Madhu S Nair, CMD, CSL.
The vessel is expected to cost INR 17.5 crore, out of which 75% is being funded by the Ministry of Shipping. CSL had originally indicated that the vessel would be delivered by March-April this year. The hydrogen fuel cell technology is being developed indigenously and will be supplied by a Pune-based firm, said CSL.
CSL has also entered into a MoU with the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) to manufacture India’s first hydrogen fuel cell catamaran vessel. IWAI will operate the catamaran in Varanasi. The catamaran will be able to seat 100 passengers in an air conditioned cabin. CSL will also supply six electric catamaran vessels to UP and two to Assam.
CSL had earlier delivered zero emission autonomous cargo ferries to Norway and is not only active in the commercial market, but also has a presence in defence shipbuilding. It manufactured India’s first Indigenous Aircraft Carrier (INS Vikrant) and presently has eight anti-submarine corvettes under construction for the Indian Navy.
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