Ship designer LMG Marin has developed the design of what might become the world´s first hydrogen ferry for ship operator Norled, with contributions from fellow cluster partners Westcon Power & Automation and Prototech.

The fuel cells on board will be able to provide more than 50 percent of the required energy. One of the most apparent features of the ferry is the topside located hydrogen handling and storage system. In case of a leakage, gas will emit into fresh air and not constitute any risk. At Hjelmeland port there will be a storage site and a filling system for liquid hydrogen. Every third week the vessel will be fuelled with four tonnes of hydrogen.

In November 2018 Norled was awarded the contract for developing, building and operating two zero-emission ferries on the Hjelmeland-Nesvik-Skipavik crossing in Norway.