INTERNATIONAL
Pioneering hydrogen powered ferry under development in Norway
Norled was awarded a contract for the development, construction and operation of a hydrogen fuel cell ferry, whose energy required will be covered by at least 50% of hydrogen. The ferry will connect the national road 13 between Hjelmeland – Skipavik – Nesvik in Rogaland, Norway, and is expected to be operational in 2021. It will have goods capacity and can take up to 299 passengers and 80 cars.
Zero emissions in the ferry sector will result in an emission reduction of 600,000 tons of CO2 each year. “This is technology development in the world class. The world looks to Norway. Hydrogen will be the last piece to get zero emissions in the ferry sector. Hydrogen is the solution where electric operation alone is not possible,” said Terje Moe Gustavsen, Director of the Norwegian Public Roads Administration.
“On behalf of Norled, I am both proud and humble to be a part of this pioneer project. We are looking forward to cooperating 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,” commented Ingvald Løyning, Chairman of Norled.
He added that in 2015, Norled proved that innovation across talented 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.
