MF Hydra - the first hydrogen ferry is already sailing
Norwegian company Norled has begun operating the world's first ferry powered by liquid hydrogen. The vessel, named MF Hydra, has finally received a sailing permit and can take on board passengers.
After many years of research, development and testing, the MF Hydra ferry can set sail. The craft is unique in the world because of its propulsion system and the fuel used. This is because the vessel is powered by liquid hydrogen, and, as Norled points out, it and the space industry are the only ones using liquid hydrogen as fuel today.
The MF Hydra shuttle was launched in 2021 and has been preparing for tests since then. These began in early 2023. The 82.4-meter-long vessel will be able to take on board up to 300 passengers and 80 vehicles.
The design is powered by two Shottel engines, two 440 kW generators and two 200 kW fuel cells. The ferry is also equipped with a fuel tank that can store up to 80 cubic meters of liquefied hydrogen. According to the designers, its use should reduce the ship's annual carbon dioxide emissions by up to 95 percent.
The ferry is expected to operate in Norway on a route between Hjelmeland, Skipavik and Nesvik. The introduction of such a vessel into service is welcomed by the authorities, who point to the importance of using modern technology in shipping.
It's worth mentioning that Norled is known for launching ships with specific propulsion. It was it that in 2015 launched the world's first ferry powered by batteries and propeller-driven.