First ferry powered by Zero-emission liquid hydrogen

The Norwegian Public Roads Administration (NPRA) is proud to be part of the development and implementation of new technology in the transport sector, according to Anders Sæternes of NPRA Ferry Management. "It is important for us to use our purchasing power for transition. Zero-emission vessels play an important part in this," he adds. Norway has a long history of innovative green ferry development, including the use of liquified natural gas (LNG) and electrical propulsion. Today, Norled's MF Hydra, the world's first liquid hydrogen-powered ferry, sets a new milestone for the maritime industry. Norled has been a leader in developing this technology, and its success paves the way for other companies to follow. Linde Engineering in Germany supplied the hydrogen systems, Ballard developed the fuel cells, and Westcon in Ølensvåg and SEAM from Karmøy equipped and completed the vessel, with Corvus Energy providing the batteries. The MF Hydra is approved by the Det Norske Veritas. The Norwegian Maritime Authority has been closely involved in the project from the beginning, as has the Maritime CleanTech business cluster, which encourages the use of new zero-emission technology. Ada Jakobsen, CEO of Maritime CleanTech, says, "MF Hydra confirms Norway's world-leading position in the development of new green maritime solutions. By putting the world's first hydrogen ferry into operation on a Norwegian ferry connection, we are once again showing how purchasing power and good public-private partnerships can be used to develop new and groundbreaking technology." Knut Arild Hareide, Director General of Shipping and Navigation, agrees that Norled's investment in new green technology is important for Norway as a maritime nation.

Please view here an interview with CEO and CTO of Norled and footage of MF Hydra sailing with liquid hydrogen.