The Norwegian Public Roads Administration and Norled AS recently entered into an agreement to build the world’s first hydrogen-electric ferry. It will be put into operation at the Hjelmeland Sambandan in 2021.
“This is world-class technology development. The world looks to Norway. Hydrogen will be the last piece for zero emissions in the ferry sector. Hydrogen is the solution where electrical operation alone is not possible”, says director Terje Moe Gustavsen.
Zero emissions in the ferry sector result in emissions reductions of 600,000 tonnes of CO 2 each year.
The world’s first
The development contract that Norled won in fierce competition with Fjord 1 and Boreal for the development, construction and operation of a hydrogen-electric ferry where at least 50 per cent of the energy demand is covered by hydrogen.
“On Norled’s behalf, I am both proud and humbled to be part of this pioneer project. We look forward to collaborating on another development project initiated by the Norwegian Public Roads Administration. This represents a green historical turning point for both Norled and the rest of the maritime sector”, says Chairman Ingvald Løyning in Norled.
He adds that “in 2015, Norled, through the development contract that created the MF “Ampere” battery ferry, has proven that innovation and innovation across skilled maritime environments is a success formula for creating a greener and more environmentally friendly ferry sector.”
Today, there are no comparable hydrogen-powered vessels in operation.
- The ferry will be connecting Hjelmeland – Skipavik – Nesvik in Rogaland from 2021.
- The ferry will have good capacity and can take up to 299 passengers and 80 cars.
Now it is Norled and their partners and suppliers who will bring the project forward to operational operations in 2021.
“I am impressed with the work done by the shipping companies and their partners. We have been offered three good solutions. The work has been extensive and many players are involved. The shipping companies’ class companies, the Norwegian Maritime Directorate and the Directorate for Social Security and Emergency Management (DSB) have been important contributors. The work has linked much of the latest in innovative, climate-friendly and forward-looking maritime technology”, says Gustavsen.
Norway is already a world leader in zero- and low-emission technology. The Road Director believes that the players have a good starting point when the next hydrogen projects are launched around the world.
“The concept of the new hydrogen ferry is clear. In front of us both development work and detailed planning await. I am confident that Norled will deliver a new innovative product that will be a green milestone with success for all parties involved”, says Løyning.
Source: The Norwegian Public Roads Administration
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