The year 2026 is a historic milestone in Bangladesh’s inland water transport system. The country’s first green hydrogen-powered ferry—’Jaldoot-1’—officially started its journey on the Meghna River.
It is South Asia’s first transport system that can carry hundreds of passengers and vehicles with zero carbon emissions.
Why is hydrogen the fuel of 2026?
Diesel-powered ferries have been leaking oil into the river water and emitting a lot of smoke into the air. In 2026, a large wind turbine on the coast of Bangladesh is producing hydrogen from water via electrolysis.
This hydrogen is now being converted into electricity in the ferry’s fuel cell and running the engine. Its only by-product is pure water.
Environmental and Economic Impact
Every year, Bangladesh’s shipping sector had to import diesel worth several billion takas (Bangladesh’s currency name). This in-house hydrogen production by 2026 is reducing that dependency.
This ferry is three times quieter than normal, protecting the lives of river porpoises and dolphins. With financial support from Denmark, it is planned to launch hydrogen ferries on all routes in Bangladesh by 2030.
Safety and Speed
Many people are concerned about hydrogen, but the ‘Jaldoot-1’ features a modern carbon-fiber tank that can handle accidents safely.
It is 20% faster than a normal diesel ferry and has 50% lower maintenance costs. This silent revolution on the Meghna River has added another feather to the crown of Bangladesh’s blue economy.
