·       The Harit Nauka Guidelines demonstrate the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways’ (MoPSW) dedication to revolutionizing the maritime sector by promoting the adoption of green vessels.

·       These guidelines focus on operationalizing a green ecosystem within the maritime industry.

·       One of the primary objectives is to incorporate low or zero-emission sources of fuel to reduce environmental impact.

·       A long-term goal outlined by the guidelines is to achieve 100% green vessels operating in Indian waters by the year 2047.

·       The green hydrogen vessel operates by harnessing the chemical energy of hydrogen and converting it into electricity through a reaction with oxygen.

·       It utilizes Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) fuel cell technology, which is specifically designed for transportation applications.

·       Within the vessel’s fuel cell, hydrogen fuel is directed through PEM cell stacks, which facilitates the electrochemical reaction where hydrogen combines with oxygen to produce electricity.

·       As a result of this process, the vessel emits only water and warm air thereby ensuring zero emissions of pollutants or greenhouse gases, and making it an environmentally friendly mode of transportation.

Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) fuel cell

·       PEM fuel cells, also known as proton exchange membrane fuel cells, utilize a proton-conducting polymer membrane as the electrolyte that facilitate the movement of protons (hydrogen ions) while blocking the passage of electrons, allowing the fuel cell to generate electricity.

·       Hydrogen is the typical fuel used in PEM fuel cells, where it undergoes oxidation at the anode, releasing electrons and protons. These protons migrate through the membrane to the cathode, where they combine with oxygen from the air to form water, releasing energy in the process.

·       PEM fuel cells operate at relatively low temperatures compared to other fuel cell types, typically between 60°C to 80°C. This characteristic enables quick start-up times and the ability to vary output rapidly, making PEM fuel cells suitable for applications with fluctuating power demands such as transportation.

Green Hydrogen

·       Green hydrogen is produced through the electrolysis of water, involving the splitting of water into hydrogen and oxygen using renewable electricity.

·       The primary objective of green hydrogen is to limit global warming to 1.5°C, serving as a cleaner alternative to traditional energy sources and reducing dependence on fossil fuels.

·       Traditionally, green hydrogen is produced from methane (CH4) through a process called steam methane reforming (SMR), where methane is split into carbon dioxide (CO2) and hydrogen (H2).