Prestigious contract attracting world wide attention

Two hydrogen fuelled RoPax ferries, which shall enter operation in 2025, will be designed by Norwegian Ship Design.

Torghatten Nord has won a prestigious contract for operation of the ferry routes crossing the Vestfjorden between Bodø and the Lofoten Islands. The contract between the Norwegian Public Roads Administration and Torghatten Nord was signed in Bodø January 25. From October 1st 2025 two new hydrogen fuelled ferries will operate Norway’s most challenging ferry crossing.

“We are proud and pleased that Torghatten Nord has chosen Norwegian Ship Design to design the new ferries”, says CEO Gjermund Johannessen. Norwegian Ship Design has worked closely with Torghatten Nord from the Norwegian Public Roads Administration announced their intentions for requiring hydrogen fuelled ferries for the next contract for ferry operation on the Vestfjorden. Torghatten Nord won the contract in fierce competition with three other bidders.

Crossing the Vestfjorden between Bodø on the mainland and three islands in Lofoten involves a close to 100 km open ocean crossing above the Arctic Circle and is considered Norway’s most challenging ferry crossing. The two ferries currently operating the routes will be converted from using LNG to use biofuels, and they will accompany the new ferries in the summer tourist season. The two hydrogen fuelled ferries will operate year-round and will daily require 5-6 t hydrogen and It is required that only “green” hydrogen is used.

The new contract will give a significantly increased passenger and vehicle capacity, which means a lot for inhabitants and businesses depending on these lifeline routes. “The ground-braking new ferries shall not compromise reliability, safety and passenger comfort” states Torkild Torkildsen, CEO in Torghatten Nord. The new ferries will be about 120 m long and with capacity to carry 120 cars and 599 passengers.

“We applaud the Norwegian Public Roads Administration’s willingness and ability to facilitate innovation towards the green shift to sustainability”, says Gjermund Johannessen. Norwegian Ship Design has taken a leading role in designing zero emission and future proof ships.