Photo: Torghatten Nord
Norwegian transport company Torghatten Nord has officially selected the shipyard that will build the two hydrogen-powered ferries set to become the world's largest ships running on green hydrogen.
Two years ago, the Norwegian company won a Norwegian Public Roads Administration contract for emission-free RoPax ferries following the government's decision to ban all conventionally-fueled vessels from operating in Vestfjord.
Vestfjord is the longest ferry connection in Norway, located between the Norwegian mainland and the Lofoten islands. Vessels cruising in this basin connect the mainland of Bodo with the three Lofoten islands. It's a particularly challenging route not only due to its length but also its proximity to the Arctic Circle.
The innovative ferries were designed by Norwegian Ship Design and, according to Torghatten Nord's latest agreement, will be built by the Norwegian shipyard Myklebust Verft.
Each ship will be 120 meters long (almost 400 feet) and big enough to carry 599 passengers, 120 cars, and 12 trunks. They will run on locally produced green hydrogen up to 85% of the time (the minimal requirement according to the contract with the Public Roads Administration) and use biofuel for the remaining time. They are set to reduce CO2 emissions by 26,500 tons per year, compared to the existing ferries operating on this route (which were also recently refitted to run on LNG) – this is said to be the equivalent of the annual emissions of 13,000 cars.
The Norwegian shipyard is ready to start building these two new-generation vessels, which are scheduled to enter service by 2026. Torghatten Nord has won the right to operate the Vestfjord connection for the next 15 years, starting in 2025.
SEAM and PowerCell will equip the new ferries with the powertrains and fuel cell systems for green propulsion, as well as the related safety and control systems. PowerCell's Marine System 200 technology is designed for a total output of 13 MW. These large-capacity ferries will be able to cruise at approximately 17 knots (19.5 mph/31.4 kph) even in the challenging conditions of this particular route.
Norway is known as one of the world's trailblazers when it comes to climate solutions and innovation, and this maritime project is worth €20 million ($21.3 million). In fact, this is said to be the world's biggest and most ambitious hydrogen project for the maritime industry. Once completed, the future vessels themselves will also become the world's largest ships powered by green hydrogen.
While most of the maritime transportation industry is looking at LNG (liquefied natural gas) as the most efficient and affordable solution available right now for cutting emissions, bold operators like Torghatten Nord are ready to take a step further and go for the hydrogen solution, and they’re supported by visionary government plans like the ones in Norway.
Vestfjord is the longest ferry connection in Norway, located between the Norwegian mainland and the Lofoten islands. Vessels cruising in this basin connect the mainland of Bodo with the three Lofoten islands. It's a particularly challenging route not only due to its length but also its proximity to the Arctic Circle.
The innovative ferries were designed by Norwegian Ship Design and, according to Torghatten Nord's latest agreement, will be built by the Norwegian shipyard Myklebust Verft.
Each ship will be 120 meters long (almost 400 feet) and big enough to carry 599 passengers, 120 cars, and 12 trunks. They will run on locally produced green hydrogen up to 85% of the time (the minimal requirement according to the contract with the Public Roads Administration) and use biofuel for the remaining time. They are set to reduce CO2 emissions by 26,500 tons per year, compared to the existing ferries operating on this route (which were also recently refitted to run on LNG) – this is said to be the equivalent of the annual emissions of 13,000 cars.
The Norwegian shipyard is ready to start building these two new-generation vessels, which are scheduled to enter service by 2026. Torghatten Nord has won the right to operate the Vestfjord connection for the next 15 years, starting in 2025.
SEAM and PowerCell will equip the new ferries with the powertrains and fuel cell systems for green propulsion, as well as the related safety and control systems. PowerCell's Marine System 200 technology is designed for a total output of 13 MW. These large-capacity ferries will be able to cruise at approximately 17 knots (19.5 mph/31.4 kph) even in the challenging conditions of this particular route.
Norway is known as one of the world's trailblazers when it comes to climate solutions and innovation, and this maritime project is worth €20 million ($21.3 million). In fact, this is said to be the world's biggest and most ambitious hydrogen project for the maritime industry. Once completed, the future vessels themselves will also become the world's largest ships powered by green hydrogen.
While most of the maritime transportation industry is looking at LNG (liquefied natural gas) as the most efficient and affordable solution available right now for cutting emissions, bold operators like Torghatten Nord are ready to take a step further and go for the hydrogen solution, and they’re supported by visionary government plans like the ones in Norway.
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