MF Hydra starts world’s first voyage on zero-emission hydrogen

03 / 04 / 2023

By SAFETY4SEA - -

MF Hydra, the world’s first liquid hydrogen-powered ferry operated by Norwegian company Norled, started sailing on zero-emission hydrogen.

In particular, Norled has been carrying out system tests at the quay in Hjelmeland. In recent weeks, they have been running sea trials and received the final approvals from the Norwegian Maritime Authority (NMA).

“Norled and our partners are pioneering a shift within the maritime sector. Liquid hydrogen can play an important role as a zero-emission fuel for shipping and we look forward to seeing the use of this technology gather momentum around the world,” said Heidi Wolden, CEO of Norled.

“There are only two parties in the world that use liquid hydrogen as fuel. These are Norled with the MF Hydra, and then the space industry using it as fuel for launches. This says something about the giant technology leap now taken for the maritime industry. After a lot of development and testing, we are now looking forward to welcoming passengers on board for a zero-emission journey between Hjelmeland and Nesvik”, said Erlend Hovland, Chief Technology Officer of Norled.

In order to reach this milestone, the Norwegian shipping company collaborated with several international partners.

As informed, Linde Engineering in Germany has supplied the hydrogen systems on board. Danish Ballard has developed the fuel cells that produce electricity from hydrogen. Westcon in Ølensvåg has been responsible for equipping and completing the vessel together with system integrator SEAM from Karmøy. Seam has also supplied the automation scope for the hydrogen system.

In concluding, Director General of Shipping and Navigation Knut Arild Hareide said that it is very important for Norway as a maritime nation that we have companies who are investing in new green technology, the way Norled is doing with this hydrogen project.