- This is world-class technology development. The world is looking to Norway. Hydrogen will be the last piece to achieve zero emissions in the ferry sector. Hydrogen is the solution where electric operation alone is not possible,” says Road Director Terje Moe Gustavsen.
Zero emissions in the ferry sector results in an emission reduction of 600,000 tons of CO2 every year.
The world’s first
The development contract that Norled won in fierce competition with Fjord 1 and Boreal for the development, construction and operation of a hydrogen-electric ferry where at least 50 percent of the energy requirement is covered by hydrogen.
- On behalf of Norled, I am both proud and humbled to be part of this pioneering project. We look forward to working together on yet 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,” says Ingvald Løyning, Chairman of Norled.
He adds that Norled, through the development contract that created the battery ferry MF “Ampere” in 2015, has proven that innovation and rethinking across skilled 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.
The ferry will operate on the Hjelmeland – Skipavik – Nesvik section of national road 13 in Rogaland from 2021.
The ferry will have good capacity, and will be able to carry up to 299 passengers and 80 cars.
At the top of the world
Norled and its partners and suppliers will now take the project forward to operational use in 2021.
- “I’m impressed by the work done by the shipping companies and their partners. We have received offers for three good solutions. The work has been extensive and many players are involved. The shipping companies’ classification societies, the Norwegian Maritime Authority and the Directorate for Civil Protection and Emergency Preparedness (DSB) have been important contributors. The work has brought together much of the latest in innovative, climate-friendly and future-oriented maritime technology,” says Gustavsen.
Norway is already a world leader in zero- and low-emission technology. The Road Director believes that the players have a good starting point when the next hydrogen projects are launched around the world.
- The concept for the new hydrogen ferry is ready. Ahead of us lies both development work and detailed planning. I am confident that Norled will deliver a new innovative product that will be a green milestone with success for all parties involved,” says Løyning.
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Norwegian Public Roads Administration:
Director General Terje Moe Gustavsen can be reached at
via Press Manager Kjell Bjørn Vinje, telephone 951 36 757
Norled AS:
Chairman of the Board Ingvald Løyning, phone: 905 40 855
Communications Director Marianne Frønsdal, phone: 951 29 383
More about the Norwegian Public Roads Administration’s RV13 Development Contract project:
https://www.vegvesen.no/Riksveg/rv13hydrogenelektriskferje
Photo editing main image signing: Tore Henning Larsen
