Sailing into the Future: 'World's Largest' Hydrogen-Powered Ferries Set to Transform Maritime Travel
Key Ideas
- First steel cutting ceremony held for 117-meter-long hydrogen-powered ferries with a capacity of 120 cars at Cemre Shipyard in Türkiye.
- Ferries, set to be the largest hydrogen-powered ships, will operate on green hydrogen, reducing CO2 emissions by 26,500 tons annually.
- MAN Cryo to provide detailed design for bunkering systems, hydrogen piping, and vent masts for the vessels, with delivery scheduled for 2026.
- Collaboration between multiple entities including Torghatten Nord, The Norwegian Ship Design Company, and GreenH to bring this sustainable project to fruition.
Norwegian transport company Torghatten Nord marked the commencement of the construction of the 'world's largest' hydrogen-powered ferries. The first steel cutting ceremony for the two 117-meter-long vessels, each capable of carrying 120 cars, took place at Cemre Shipyard in Türkiye. These ferries, designed to navigate the challenging waters of the Vestfjordstrekninga fjord in the Arctic Circle, are expected to be operational by 2026. The ships will primarily run on green hydrogen, sourced from Bodø, Norway, with an aim to operate on this sustainable fuel for at least 85% of their journeys at an average speed of 17 knots.
The hydrogen storage units onboard the ferries will supply gas to fuel cells, generating electricity to power the vessels and their auxiliary systems. This eco-friendly approach is projected to significantly slash CO2 emissions by approximately 26,500 tons annually. MAN Cryo, a subsidiary of MAN Energy Solutions, will oversee the design of essential components like bunkering systems and hydrogen piping for the vessels. The collaborative effort involving Torghatten Nord, The Norwegian Ship Design Company, Myklebust Verft shipyard, systems integrator SEAM, and hydrogen supplier GreenH highlights a concerted push towards sustainable maritime solutions. The introduction of these hydrogen-powered ferries signifies a crucial step in revolutionizing the maritime industry by embracing alternative fuels and cutting-edge technology for a greener future.