Lloyd’s Register (LR) has awarded Approval in Principle (AiP) to Norwegian ship owner Torghatten Nord for two hydrogen-powered vessels operating on Norway’s longest ferry route, Vestfjordstrekninga, connecting Bodø, Røst, Værøy and Moskenes.
The two vessels, designed by Norwegian Ship Design, will use a minimum of 85% ‘green hydrogen’ based fuel, helping to reduce CO2-emissions on the route by 26,500 tons each year.
The two main components of the hydrogen system on board are the hydrogen storage part, feeding hydrogen to fuel cells and the fuel cells themselves, providing electric power for the propulsion and all other consumers on board.
The ferries are scheduled to enter operation in October 2025.
LR awarded the AiP following the completion of a comprehensive and constructive risk-based HAZID certification. The project signifies an important step in the maritime energy transition as the industry moves towards sustainable fuel sources.
To develop hydrogen ferries on such a long and weather-exposed route is a world-class climate project with great importance for the entire maritime sector and not least Bodø and Lofoten
Torkild Torkildsen, CEO, Torghatten Nord, said.
