Torghatten Nord’s hydrogen vessels gets AiP from LR

Lloyd’s Register (LR) has awarded Approval in Principle (AiP) to Norwegian shipowner Torghatten Nord for two hydrogen-powered vessels operating on Norway’s longest ferry route, Vestfjordstrekninga, connecting Bodø, Røst, Værøy and Moskenes.

The two vessels, designed by Norwegian Ship Design, will use a minimum of 85% ‘green hydrogen’ based fuel, helping to reduce CO2 emissions on the route by an estimated 26,500 tons each year.

The two main components of the hydrogen system on board are the hydrogen storage part, feeding hydrogen to fuel cells and the fuel cells themselves, providing electric power for the propulsion and all other consumers on board.  Torghatten Nord said the company can now move to the construction stage of the ships. The ferries are scheduled to enter operation in October 2025.

The AiP follows the completion of a comprehensive risk-based HAZID certification.

In January 2022 Torghatten Nord inked a contract with the Norwegian Public Roads Administration to operate hydrogen-powered ferries between Bodø and Lofoten from 2025.

Under the deal, Torghatten Nord will build two new hydrogen vessels and convert two 2012-built ferries from liquefied natural gas to low-emission solutions.