Norway builds the world's largest hydrogen ship

The 117m long ship model can carry 120 vehicles, using green hydrogen for at least 85% of the route in the Arctic.

Shipping company Torghatten Nord signs a contract with Myklebust shipyard in Norway to build the world's largest hydrogen-powered ship. The new type of ship is designed to carry 120 cars on Norway's longest ferry route, specializing in operating in the waters of Vestfjordstrekninga Bay located in the Arctic Circle, Interesting Engineering reported on April 19.

Myklebust will be in charge of building the world's largest hydrogen-powered ship. (Photo: Myklebust)

According to Myklebust, their train model will connect the towns of Bodø and Lofoten . The vehicle will use hydrogen produced in Bodø. The Norwegian ship design company will be in charge of designing the ship, expected to be delivered in 2026. The high-capacity model will be built at Myklebust's facility in Gursken, south of Ålesund. Construction will require increased staffing and operations at the shipyard in the near future. In addition to working closely with the Norwegian Maritime Steering Committee to establish safety standards for a completely new class of ships, the project also brings together the participation of many suppliers in terms of design, technology, and equipment. and hydrogen.

Connecting Bodø, the islands of Røst and Værøy, and Moskenes along the 278km Vestfjordstrekninga ferry route, the world's largest hydrogen vessel will boost maritime traffic. According to Offshore Energy, the 117-meter-long vehicle will use green hydrogen as its main fuel for at least 85% of the distance in harsh Arctic waters. The train will face challenging conditions due to its average speed at 31.5 km/h. However, the ship design will ensure efficient operation.

Onboard storage will supply hydrogen to the fuel cell, converting energy into electricity for transmission to the propulsion system and auxiliary systems. The use of hydrogen will reduce annual CO2 emissions by about 26,500 tons along the route.

The project is of great significance because transporting passengers by hydrogen over long distances in such harsh conditions has never happened before. The project is the result of cooperation between Torghatten Nord, the Norwegian ship design company, Myklebust Verft shipyard, which combines the SEAM system, and hydrogen supplier GreenH.