- Norway has ambitious climate goals and commitments. That is why we are very happy to be the world leaders in new, climate-friendly ways of traveling. The first hydrogen ferry will soon depart from Rogaland. The fact that the ferries of the future between Bodø and Lofoten will be 100 percent hydrogen-powered is a milestone for the climate, says Transport Minister Jon-Ivar Nygård.
On Tuesday, January 25, it was announced that the Norwegian Public Road Administration had entered into a contract with Torghatten Nord to operate hydrogen ferries on the Bodø-Røst-Værøy-Moskenes connection. The new ferries will be put into operation from October 1, 2025.
- We are used to electric ferries all over Norway. Here, Norway was in the lead. Some ferries run very long distances. One such connection is the ferry between Bodø and Lofoten. There, the trip takes three hours through the Vestfjord. With such connections, the batteries are just not good enough. Therefore, hydrogen is a very good alternative in this case. I'm looking forward to further development, says Nygård.
The first full-size hydrogen ferry in Norway
The ferry on the Hjelmeland-Nesvik connection in Rogaland is considered to be the world's first hydrogen ferry. It will go into operation in 2022. At this point, every second vessel will be supplied with 50 percent hydrogen.
The contract that has just been signed is the second in Norway. The ferry connection via Vestfjord will continue to be the first in Norway with hydrogen ferries.
– Norway has over 120 ferry connections. It's almost part of our identity. Therefore, it is natural that we test climate-friendly solutions. Electric ferries are undoubtedly a success, and I hope hydrogen ferries can be too. Especially where the batteries don't last, like all over the Vestfjord. In this way Norway may still be in the lead – also on the hydrogen side – says the Minister of Transport.
Photo: Kjell Brataas / SD / Transport Minister Jon-Ivar Nygård
Source: Ministry of Transport
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