The ferry operator Torghatten Nord has commissioned the Norwegian company Myklebust Verft to build two hydrogen ferries. The ferries will be the largest hydrogen ships in the world and will be powered by hydrogen produced in Bodø.
The ferries will carry up to 120 cars on Norway’s longest ferry route between Bodø and the Lofoten Islands. Myklebust Verft is due to deliver the newbuilds in 2026. The suppliers of design, technology, equipment and hydrogen involved in the project are from Norway, and the project is also working closely with the Norwegian Maritime Authority and the classification society Lloyd’s Register to develop procedures and safety standards “for a completely new type of ferry”. [ds_preview]
“At Myklebust, we have found an environment that offers a high level of expertise at a sustainable price. I am proud that we can do this in Norway, as this is an important boost for the Norwegian technology and shipyard landscape. Together with the authorities, we are setting the standard for a whole new class of ship with a world-class innovation and climate project,” says Marius Hansen, CEO of Torghatten Nord.
Myklebust Verft is located in Gursken, south of Ålesund. The order for the construction of the 117 m long ferries means that Myklebust will need to increase its workforce. “Together with the maritime cluster in Norway, this order will enable us to develop new knowledge, secure jobs and take on more apprentices. It will be exciting to deliver something that no one has done before us,” says Leiv Sindre Muren, CEO of Myklebust Verft.
Torghatten Nord relies on local suppliers
“There are no other maritime hydrogen projects internationally that are anywhere near as large and ambitious as this project. We have therefore prioritised building a team of Norwegian suppliers to transport locals, businesses and tourists in a safe, efficient and comfortable way. This includes the design, safety systems, hydrogen production and now the construction of the vessels. It has been a particular challenge to accomplish this in a market characterised by war and uncertainty in Europe,” says Torghatten Nord CEO Hansen.
The official contract award to Myklebust Verft comes more than a year after Torghatten Nord agreed with PowerCell to supply the 6 MW hydrogen fuel cells to power the ferries. In December 2023, the shipping company also awarded a contract for the construction of a ferry with hybrid propulsion to the Polish shipyard Remontowa Shipbuilding.
