Norwegian Hydrogen Powered Ferry to Trailblaze the Shipping and Ferry Sector

Norled, a Norwegian ferry operator, is eyeing to build a Hydrogen powered ferry where requisite infrastructure and Liquid Hydrogen will be provided by the German MNC, Linde Plc.Linde plc’ requisite infrastructure will also include building and installing onshore and on-board Hydrogen storage, distribution and safety equipment. The main purpose of this project is to decarbonize transport, mainly marine transport.

Hydrogen powered ferry would be first of its kind to utilize liquid Hydrogen as fuel. Linde Plc is expected to provide Hydrogen from its 24MW proton exchange membrane (PEM) electrolyser at Leuna Chemical Complex, Germany. Deliveries of liquid Hydrogen are scheduled to begin by next year. It is believed that Hydrogen fuel cell-powered ferry will reduce the emissions by around 95%.

As per a statement by Armando Botello, President Europe North at Linde, "Hydrogen is a powerful energy carrier with proven potential for reducing carbon emissions when used in mobility. We are proud to be working with Norled and, together, take the lead in developing the marine sector's transition to climate-friendly fuels". Furthermore, Heidi Wolden, CEO of Norled, supported the idea by calling Hydrogen a significant tool that can give rise to zero carbon emission fuels in the coming years.

Liquid Hydrogen is one of the cleanest fuels and according to environmental experts, Hydrogen powered ferry is a step in the right direction to make shipping more climate-friendly endeavor.