MAN Cryo has secured a contract with Torghatten Nord A/S, a prominent Norwegian ferry company, to spearhead a project focused on designing and engineering two hydrogen-powered RoPax ferries. This initiative aligns with a Norwegian government drive to transition major vessels on the demanding mainland-Lofoten Islands route to emission-free operations.
As part of MAN Energy Solutions, renowned for its expertise in cryogenic equipment for gas storage, distribution, and handling, MAN Cryo will handle the detailed design of bunkering systems, hydrogen piping, and vent masts for the ferries. Moreover, MAN Cryo will serve as the system integrator for the hydrogen process plant, collaborating with other key suppliers involved in the project.
Torghatten Nord A/S, having previously secured the ‘Bodo-Vaeroy-Rost-Moskenes’ ferry tender in northern Norway, will introduce two new vessels, designed by The Norwegian Ship Design Company, into the route. These vessels, with hulls constructed by Cemre shipyard in Turkiye and outfitted at Myklebust shipyard in Norway, will be equipped with hydrogen technology installed locally. Operating on compressed green hydrogen, both ferries are slated for delivery to Torghatten Nord A/S by 2026.
Eirik Olsen, Operational Director at Torghatten Nord AS, expressed satisfaction with the contract, extending their collaboration with MAN Cryo from LNG to include hydrogen.
Gjermund Johannessen, CEO of The Norwegian Ship Design Company, praised MAN Cryo’s forward-thinking approach and looks forward to their continued collaboration on the prestigious hydrogen ferry projects for Torghatten Nord.
Henrik Malm, Managing Director of MAN Energy Solutions Sweden, emphasized the company’s leadership in developing future-fuel systems for the maritime sector. He highlighted MAN Cryo’s advanced engineering, tailored design, and integration capabilities, underscoring their commitment to sustainable marine operations and contributing to a cleaner maritime future. Malm commended Torghatten Nord’s revolutionary step towards zero-emission ferry transportation powered by green hydrogen, aligning with MAN Energy Solutions’ vision of reducing ecological footprints through innovation.