Progress on Norwegian hydrogen ferries as supply systems contract awarded

Torghatten Nord has contracted MAN Cryo to create designs for bunkering systems, hydrogen piping and vent masts for its newbuild vessels.

Both new vessels will be designed by the Norwegian Ship Design Company and phased into the route, with the hulls built by Cemre shipyard in Turkey and towed to Myklebust shipyard in Norway for outfitting, with all hydrogen equipment to be installed in Norway. 

MAN Cryo will work on the design and engineering of the ropax ferries, providing detailed designs for bunkering systems, hydrogen piping and vent and acting as system integrator for the hydrogen process plant, co-ordinating with other major suppliers in the project.

Torghatten Nord operational director Eirik Olsen said, “By this contract, we have extended our co-operation from LNG to also include hydrogen.”

Torghatten won a ferry tender for the Bodø - Værøy - Røst - Moskenes ferry route in northern Norway, and Lloyd’s Register (LR) awarded the company’s hydrogen ferry concept approval in principle (AiP) in 2022. In April 2024, LR agreed to class the vessels. 

The Norwegian company’s hydrogen-powered ropax ferries will comply with Norwegian regulations mandating vessels operating on the challenging mainland-Lofoten Islands crossing become emissions free.

Both vessels are set for delivery to Torghatten Nord in 2026.