Ferry operator Boreal Sjø and technology group Wärtsilä have reached an agreement to jointly work on developing hydrogen-powered ferries.
Under the deal, the parties said they would develop a hybrid hydrogen-electric ferry, which would be powered by 50 percent hydrogen, and one fully electric ferry.
According to Boreal Sjø, the new ferry will be the first vessel of its size ever operated by hydrogen in commercial operation.
The units are scheduled to be completed in 2021. They are designated to operate on the Hjelmeland-Skipavik-Nesvik route in Norway.
The agreement is part of the Norwegian government’s plan to be the first country to own a hydrogen-powered ferry.
Boreal Sjø and Wärtsilä are finalizing their final concept for the unit and are expected to present their offer on the completed solution to the Norwegian Public Roads Administration by August 2018.
The parties would be competing with two other companies for the Norwegian development contract.
World Maritime News Staff