Ferry operator Torghatten Nord has signed a 15-year hydrogen supply deal with GreenH, a Norwegian company that works on the development of infrastructure for the production and distribution of green hydrogen from renewable energy.
Through the agreement, GreenH will supply hydrogen to be used as fuel on Lofoten ferries. Torghatten Nord signed a contract in 2022 with the Norwegian Public Roads Administration to operate hydrogen-powered ferries between Bodø and Lofoten in Norway from 2025. It plans to construct two new-build hydrogen-powered vessels and will also convert two existing LNG ferries to use more environmentally friendly propulsion systems. Norwegian Ship Design will design the ro-pax new-builds.
The two new hydrogen-fueled ro-paxes are scheduled to enter operations on the Norwegian route on October 1, 2025. The ferries will require 5-6 metric tons of green hydrogen per day to complete the 100km open ocean crossing between Bodø on the mainland and the three islands in Lofoten.
The new deal also strengthens plans to establish a hydrogen production facility on the coast of Langstranda in Bodø. The facility is stated to be the first of its kind in Europe, and once operational, is estimated to be capable of producing 6-10 metric tons of hydrogen per day.
“Now it is clear that we will build one of the largest and first hydrogen plants in Europe at Langstranda in Bodø,” said Morten Solberg Watle, CEO, GreenH. “The factory will help build up expertise and industry that is in the driving seat internationally.”
The Norwegian Public Roads Administration estimates that the 15-year agreement will contribute to a reduction of 26,500 metric tons of CO2 emissions annually.