MF Hydra is built for Norled at Westcon Yards in Ølen and designed by LMG Marin. “The combination of hydrogen and electric propulsion makes MF Hydra one of the most environmentally friendly ferries in the world. Hydrogen, which is a zero-emission fuel, also shows promise as an alternative fuel for ships, even over longer distances,” says jury chairman and editor-in-chief of Skipsrevyen Gustav Erik Blaalid.
“MF Hydra is the first hydrogen ship to be approved by the Norwegian Maritime Authority, the Norwegian Directorate for Civil Protection (DSB) and Det Norske Veritas (DNV). Through the project, knowledge has been developed that will have great transfer value to a future fleet of zero-emission ships, thereby contributing positively to the climate accounts,” says Blaalid.
“This recognition means a lot to us at Norled! MF Hydra is a vessel we have worked on for a long time, invested a lot of time and effort in, and collaborated with many people on. When we receive this award, there are many people we will share it with – internally and externally,” says CEO Heidi Wolden.
For Norled, MF Hydra marks the start of the hydrogen adventure. “It’s a milestone for the industry and for Norled. In 2014, we were lucky enough to win Ship of the Year for MF Ampere. It was also the start of an electric revolution in the ferry industry. Six years later, we have now arrived at the hydrogen vessel, MF Hydra.
“The key to success with the green shift and the hydrogen vessel MF Hydra is clearly collaboration. Collaboration with our good suppliers, our employees and our clients. Without the willingness of the public sector to choose new green solutions and invest in them, we would not have achieved this,” said Heidi Wolden.
