World's Largest Hydrogen Ferries To Be Built By Myklebust Shipyard In Norway

Myklebust Verft, a Norwegian shipyard, has been chosen to begin construction of cutting-edge hydrogen-powered passenger ferries for Norwegian transportation company Torghatten Nord.

The design, produced by The Norwegian Ship Design Company for operations in the challenging waters of the Vestfjordstrekninga fjord in the Arctic Circle, got approval in principle in August 2022 from Lloyd’s Register, signed on to class the one-of-its-kind vessels.

With a 120-car capacity and 117 meters long, the duo will be the largest hydrogen-powered vessels in the world to function on green hydrogen nearly 85% of the time.

The vessels will travel at an average speed of 17 knots in harsh conditions throughout the 278 km-long Vestfjordstrekninga ferry route, connecting Bodø, the islands of Røst and Vaerøy, and Moskenes.

A hydrogen storage unit on the vessel will feed the gas to fuel cells, creating electricity to propel these vessels and power the auxiliary systems. This will lessen CO2 emissions on the route by approximately 26,500 tons a year.

The alternative fuel newbuilds boasting biodiesel backup include LR as the class society, Torghatten Nord (the owner), Myklebust Verft shipyard, The Norwegian Ship Design Company, systems integrator SEAM, and hydrogen supplier GreenH.

Norway’s Maritime Authority will flag the vessels.

Marius Hansen, the managing director associated with Torghatten Nord, stated that the new builds will set the standard for a new class of vessels to help minimize emissions and facilitate sustainable operations.

He mentioned that the project is a substantial boost for the Norwegian tech and shipyard environment, and they are proud to witness it happening in Norway.

Leiv Sindre Muren, the CEO of Myklebust Verft, said the large-scale, innovative, hydrogen-powered ferries reflect Norway’s level of expertise and ambition and augment the maritime hydrogen power infrastructure.

Gjermund Johannessen, the CEO of The Norwegian Ship Design Company, said that the hydrogen ferries are unlike any other ferries, with the greatest hydrogen installations in a vessel ever by a significant margin.

The company has developed an exclusive notion of using the physical properties of hydrogen to achieve safety.

They believe that hydrogen will play a crucial role in no-emission short-sea shipping.

Nick Brown, the CEO of LR, explained how the hydrogen-powered flagship is a significant milestone for the country as it furthers the unwavering dedication to clean hydrogen infrastructure.

Brown mentioned their interest in green hydrogen as a maritime fuel, particularly for short-sea shipping.

The hydrogen-powered ferries will join a set of LR-classed vessels being built in Norway currently; besides, two offshore construction support vessels are being constructed at Vard Langsten shipyard and are expected to commence service toward the end of 2025 or by early 2026.

Reference: Offshore Energy

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