On 19 November 2025, the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW) released a landmark notification introducing the draft Inland Vessels (Special Category Vessels: LNG/CNG, Battery, Methanol & Hydrogen Fuel) Rules, 2025. This move marks a major step toward greening India’s inland water transport (IWT) sector and advancing clean, energy-efficient propulsion technologies.
The notification, published as G.S.R. 856(E), invites objections and suggestions from stakeholders within 30 days of its publication in the Official Gazette. This public consultation aims to ensure broad participation from vessel owners, designers, operators, and maritime professionals before the rules come into force.
Why These Rules Matter
India’s inland waterways are emerging as a critical, low-cost, and low-emission mode of transport. With global maritime industries shifting towards sustainable propulsion systems such as LNG, CNG, battery-electric power, methanol, and hydrogen, India’s new draft rules seek to bring domestic standards in line with international best practices.
Recognizing the distinct safety and design requirements of vessels powered by alternative fuels, the draft rules categorize them as “Special Category Vessels”. This classification ensures they are built, surveyed, certified, and operated under enhanced safety and technical protocols.
Scope and Applicability
The draft rules apply specifically to mechanically propelled inland vessels powered by:
- LNG or CNG
- Battery-electric systems (main or auxiliary propulsion)
- Methanol
- Hydrogen fuel cells or hydrogen internal combustion engines
However, Pleasure Crafts and Canal Cruise Boats governed under their respective 2025 rules are excluded.
These vessels must also comply with existing rules covering design, construction, registration, safety appliances, manning, insurance, navigation systems, and pollution prevention—ensuring a holistic regulatory framework.
Design, Construction & Survey Requirements
A significant feature of the draft rules is the emphasis on rigorous technical standards:
- Design and construction must align with the Inland Vessels (Design and Construction) Rules, 2024.
- Engines, fuel systems, batteries, and propulsion components must comply with standards prescribed by a recognized classification society.
- Smaller battery-propelled vessels (below 20 kW) may follow BIS, ISO, or classification society standards.
Importantly, every special category vessel will be designed, constructed, and maintained under survey, ensuring an added layer of technical scrutiny and safety.
Compliance for Existing and New Vessels
Existing vessels using these alternative fuels may continue under previous norms, but they must update key safety parameters—particularly stability and freeboard—within two years.
All new vessels, however, must fully comply with the new rules before receiving a certificate of survey or fitness.
Certification, Inspection & Enforcement
The rules empower State Governments to:
- Appoint authorized officers for certification and enforcement
- Issue certificates of fitness
- Conduct inspections or unannounced surveys
- Suspend or cancel certificates in case of violations
A single certificate of fitness will be issued for vessels falling under multiple special category rules, ensuring simplicity and uniformity.
For inter-state operations, the home State’s certificate will be valid across India, enhancing ease of doing business.
A Progressive Step Toward Sustainable Waterways
The draft Inland Vessels (Special Category Vessels) Rules, 2025 represent a forward-looking regulatory framework that supports India’s clean energy transition, improves navigational safety, and encourages the adoption of modern propulsion technologies.
Stakeholders are encouraged to submit feedback to the Ministry to help shape a robust and future-ready inland vessel ecosystem.