World's largest hydrogen-powered ferries launched, to be delivered as early as late 2025
Lloyd's Register has recently granted Approval-in-Principle (AiP) to Norwegian shipowner Toorghatten Nord for the design of two hydrogen-powered ferries. The vessels are expected to be delivered by the end of 2025 or early 2026 and will operate in the challenging waters of Vestfjordstrekninga in the Arctic Circle.
It is understood that, as the future of the world's largest hydrogen-powered ferries, the two ships designed by Norwegian Ship Design, flying the Norwegian flag, with an overall length of 117 meters, can accommodate 120 cars, 'green hydrogen fuel' use rate will be more than 85%.
The vessel's hydrogen storage unit will feed fuel cells to generate electricity to propel the vessel and power auxiliary systems. With this technology, the vessels will reduce carbon dioxide emissions by approximately 26,500 tons per year.
Once in operation, the vessels will navigate the 278-kilometer-long Vestfjord at an average speed of 17 knots in challenging conditions, connecting the islands of Bodø, Røst, Værøy and Moskenes.