HydrogenShipbuilding.com

Sailing: 16

Ordered: 33

Proposed: 19

Tag: Norway

  • GreenH Advances Hydrogen Hub for Ships

    Those involved with hydrogen project for shipping know the chicken-and-egg situation: why build hydrogen ships when there is not supply vs in order to build the infrastructure we need guaranteed long term off-take. That is why GreenH’s final investment decision (FID) is such a big deal: finally dedicated hydrogen supply hub for ships will be constructed. While simultaneously solving the problem of bunkering high volumes of compressed hydrogen into a ship. Therefore we can only respect this major green shipping milestone.

    Norwegian company GreenH has secured NOK 1 billion (approximately $89 million) to develop a green hydrogen facility in Bodø. This plant will supply hydrogen the two Torghatten Nord’s ferries on the Vestfjorden route. The FID, announced on January 27, 2025, marks a significant milestone after four years of development.

    Source: GreenH

    Enova grant

    In November 2024, Enova granted NOK 129 million (around $11.5 million) to support the Bodø hydrogen facility. This funding was pivotal in reaching the final investment decision.

    Norwegian hydrogen hub

    The Bodø facility will feature a 20 MW electrolyzer, capable of producing up to 3,100 tons of green hydrogen annually. Operations are slated to begin in 2026, making it the first in Northern Europe to supply pressurized green hydrogen directly to maritime vessels. This initiative aligns with broader efforts to decarbonize maritime transport. For instance, Norwegian shipyard Myklebust Verft is constructing two hydrogen-powered ferries for Torghatten Nord. Upon delivery, these vessels will be the world’s largest hydrogen-powered ships, operating primarily on the green hydrogen produced in Bodø.

    Port infrastructure

    Globally, ports are investing in hydrogen infrastructure to support sustainable shipping. The Port of Seattle is exploring green hydrogen to power port operations and fuel vessels. Similarly, the Hamburg Green Hydrogen Hub plans to start building its electrolysis plant in 2025, aiming to decarbonize the port and surrounding industries. These developments underscore the maritime industry’s commitment to reducing emissions through innovative hydrogen solutions.

  • December 2024 Norway subsidy results

    Hydrogen Projects score poorly in Norway’s latest Zero-Emission Vessel Funding

    Norway’s recent allocation of approximately $108 million to 14 zero-emission vessel projects underscores its commitment to sustainable maritime solutions. However, it’s notable that only two hydrogen-powered vessels received funding, despite numerous applications in this category.

    Among the projects awarded, Cruise Service AS secured the subsidy for two hydrogen-powered passenger vessels. Details are not known.

    The limited support for hydrogen initiatives is concerning, given hydrogen’s potential to revolutionize maritime transport, particularly in shortsea shipping. By not capitalizing on the opportunity to fund a broader range of hydrogen projects, Norway may be missing a chance to lead in this transformative technology.

    It’s encouraging to note that Enova plans to hold additional funding rounds, with the next call for hydrogen and ammonia programs anticipated at the end of the first quarter of 2025. This presents an opportunity to reassess and potentially increase support for hydrogen-based maritime solutions in future allocations.

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  • Ferry Hydra pioneering LH2

    a pioneering zero-emission passenger ferry powered by liquid hydrogen.

    Delivery

    In June 2021, the ferry Hydra was delivered from Westcon Yards AS to Norled AS in Stavanger, Norway. Designed by LMG Marine AS, Hydra is the world’s first passenger ferry capable of using hydrogen as fuel. It operates alongside the battery-powered ferry Nesvik on the Hjelmeland–Nesvik–Skipavik route.

    Norled's MF Hydra

    Fuel cells and batteries

    Hydra utilizes liquid hydrogen stored on board to power two hydrogen fuel cells, which continuously charge a large battery pack. The batteries can also be charged dockside at Hjelmeland and Nesvik. The ferry is designed to operate on fuel cells driven by liquid hydrogen for at least 50% of its operating time. Additionally, two diesel generators are installed as backup power sources.

    Norwegian party

    The construction of Hydra involved significant contributions from Norwegian suppliers, including LMG Marin in Bergen, Vestnes Ocean in Florø, Westcon Power & Automation in Haugesund, and AF Aeronmollier in Flekkefjord/Stavanger. In total, 18 Norwegian suppliers and exporters participated in the project, enhancing domestic value creation and supporting the maritime export industry. Export Financing Norway provided guarantees totaling up to 460 million NOK for these environmentally friendly ferry projects.

    Hydra is classified by DNV GL with the following notations: 1A Car Ferry B Battery (Power) E0 LC R4(Nor). The propulsion system features Schottel’s Rudder Propeller SRE 340 L FP. Main generators are Scania DI16 75M models, with Stamford HCM634G2 generators (480-553 kW), all supplied by Nogva Motorfabrikk. Westcon Power & Automation provided and installed the battery system.

    Deck equipment includes anchor winches and capstans from Adria Winch, a Marine Evacuation System (MES) and liferafts from Survitec, and an RSQ 450 G MOB boat from Palfinger. Lighting solutions, including searchlights, floodlights, navigation lights, and both exterior and interior technical lighting, were supplied by Glamox.

    Additional systems comprise ventilation and air conditioning from Novenco, comprehensive e-SEAmatic Blue system integration (including EMS, integrated bridge, IAS, and EPMS) by Westcon Power & Automation, navigation equipment installed by Vico, and CCTV provided by Ocean Electronics.

    Milestone

    The delivery of Hydra marks a significant milestone in the advancement of zero-emission maritime transport, showcasing innovative use of hydrogen fuel technology in passenger ferry operations.