Two hydrogen-powered passenger ferries ordered by Torghatten Nord will be classed by Lloyd’s Register (LR) following Approval in Principle (AiP) awarded in August 2022.
The two vessels, designed by The Norwegian Ship Design Company to operate in the challenging waters of the Vestfjordstrekninga fjord in the Arctic Circle, will be built at the Norwegian shipyard Myklebust Verft.
The vessels will be 117 metres long with a 120-car capacity. The duo will be the world’s largest hydrogen-powered ships, operating on green hydrogen at least 85% of the time, the company claims. Operating at an average speed of 17 knots in often challenging conditions, 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 gas to the fuel cells, creating electricity to propel the vessels and power their auxiliary systems. This will reduce CO2 emissions on the route by around 26,500 tons each year.
Broadening the portfolio
These two ferries will join LR-classed vessels being built in Norway. Two offshore support vessels (CSOVs) are also under construction at the Vard Langsten shipyard. These vessels will be methanol-ready and are due to be delivered to North Star in 2025.
About the ferries Nick Brown, CEO, LR, says: “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 and look forward to working with our Norwegian customers —Torghatten Nord, Myklebust Verft and The Norwegian Ship Design Company — to ensure this innovative project is progressed with safety, reliability and sustainability at its core.”
