The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways has published draft rules to govern vessels using next-generation fuels and power sources on India’s inland waterways, classifying them as Special Category Vessels. These draft rules, named the Inland Vessels (Special Category Vessels: LNG/CNG, Battery, Methanol & Hydrogen Fuel) Rules, 2025, are issued under the Inland Vessels Act, 2021.
The Central Government has invited objections or suggestions on these draft rules, which may be sent by post or email to diriwt1-psw@gov.in and psw-usiwt2@gov.in within thirty days from the date the notification is made available to the public.
Scope of Special Category Vessels
The new rules define the following classes of mechanically propelled inland vessels as special category vessels based on their fueling system or source of power for propulsion:
- natural gas (LNG or CNG) as fuel.
- batteries for main propulsion, or as an additional source of power.
- methanol as fuel.
- hydrogen fuel cell or Hydrogen Internal combustion Engines for main propulsion.
The rules apply in addition to twelve other existing Inland Vessels Rules, covering areas from registration and survey to manning and pollution containment.
Standards and Certification
Design and Construction Standards
The standards for the design and construction of these special category vessels are primarily governed by the Inland Vessels (Design and construction) Rules, 2024. However, the engine, fuel supply systems, motors, batteries, and propulsion components must comply with the standards specified by a classification society.
Exemption for Small Battery Vessels: Battery propelled vessels having a total propulsion power less than 20 KW may follow standards specified by the Bureau of Indian Standards, a Classification Society, or the International Organization for Standardization.
Survey and Certification
All special category vessels, regardless of the requirements of the 2024 Design and Construction Rules, must be designed, constructed, and maintained under the survey of a classification society.
Battery Vessels (< 20 KW): These small vessels may be surveyed by a classification society, the designated authority, or an organization delegated by the State Government.
The State Government shall appoint officers empowered to issue a Certificate of Fitness (CoF) after ensuring the vessel meets safety, structural, and stability standards. Where a vessel falls under multiple sets of Special Category Vessel Rules, a single Certificate of Fitness shall be issued.
Compliance and Inter-State Operations
Existing vessels operating before the commencement of these rules must comply with the new provisions related to stability information and calculation of freeboard within two years. New vessels must be in full compliance before a CoF is issued.
The home State shall be the sole authority for issuing the CoF. Vessels holding a valid CoF from their home State are permitted to operate in any other State without requiring a duplicate or separate certification, provided prior intimation is given and any conditions imposed by the operating State are met.
Penalties
Failure to comply with any provision of these rules will render the owner liable to penalties, fines, or other actions as imposed under Section 87 of The Inland Vessels Act, 2021.