Norwegian shipyard Myklebust Verft has been chosen to construct a pair of modern hydrogen-powered passenger ferries ordered by Norwegian transport firm Torghatten Nord.
The design, produced by The Norwegian Ship Design Company for operations within the difficult waters of the Vestfjordstrekninga fjord within the Arctic Circle, acquired approval in precept (AIP) in August 2022 from Lloyd’s Register, who has signed on to class the first-of-their-kind vessels.
At 117 meters lengthy with a 120-car capability, the duo would be the world’s largest hydrogen-powered ships, working on inexperienced hydrogen a minimum of 85% of the time. Operating at a median velocity of 17 knots in typically difficult situations, the vessels will navigate the 278km-long Vestfjordstrekninga ferry route connecting Bodø, the islands of Røst and Værøy, and Moskenes.
A hydrogen storage unit onboard the vessel will feed gasoline to the gasoline cells, creating electrical energy to propel the vessels and energy their auxiliary methods, decreasing CO2-emissions on the route by round 26,500 tons every year.
The various gasoline newbuilds with biodiesel backup, convey collectively LR as the category society, proprietor Torghatten Nord, The Norwegian Ship Design Company, Myklebust Verft shipyard, methods integrator SEAM, and hydrogen provider GreenH. The Norwegian Maritime Authority will flag the 2 vessels.
Marius Hansen, Managing director, Torghatten Nord, mentioned the newbuilds will “set the standard for a completely new class of ship that reduces emissions and supports sustainable operations”. He added, “This project is a significant boost for the Norwegian technology and shipyard environment and we are proud to make it happen in Norway.”
Leiv Sindre Muren, CEO, Myklebust Verft, mentioned the “innovative, large-scale hydrogen-powered ferries [showcase] Norway’s level of expertise and ambition and augmenting its maritime hydrogen power infrastructure”.
Gjermund Johannessen, CEO, The Norwegian Ship Design Company, mentioned, “These hydrogen ferries are unmatched by any other ferries in the world today, with the largest hydrogen installations in a ship ever by a substantial margin. We have developed a unique hydrogen concept using hydrogen’s physical properties for achieving optimal safety. We believe hydrogen will play an important role for zero-emission short-sea shipping.”
Nick Brown, CEO, LR, mentioned,“These flagship hydrogen-powered ferries represent a significant milestone for Norway as it furthers its continuing commitment to clean hydrogen infrastructure. We see significant interest in green hydrogen as a maritime fuel especially for short-sea shipping.”
The hydrogen-powered ferries join another set of LR-classed vessels currently being built in Norway; two construction support offshore vessels (CSOVs) are being built at Vard Langsten shipyard and will enter service late in 2025 or early 2026.
Alf Tore Sørheim, Acting Director General of Shipping and Navigation, Norwegian Maritime Authority, said, “Signing contracts for zero-emission vessels is a significant milestone. The Norwegian Maritime Authority is pleased to see Norwegian shipping companies taking responsibility and driving forward new technologies for reducing emissions, and that they have competent partners to assist them in this endeavour.”
