Sea trials begin for Norled’s newest hydrogen-powered ferry

Norway’s Westcon Yards has begun conducting sea trials of a new hybrid double-ended Ro-Pax ferry ordered by local operator Norled.

The DNV-classed, 82-metre Hydra was designed by LMG Marin, which said that the ferry will be one of the first passenger vessels in the world to be powered by liquid hydrogen (LH2).

For the trials, the ferry has been operating on battery power. LMG Marin said LH2 fuel will be used once it becomes available at a later stage in the vessel’s further development.

Hydra is scheduled for delivery before the end of July 2021. It will be operated on Norled’s Hjelmeland-Nesvik-Ombo route alongside sister ferry Nesvik.

Click here for the other news, features and reviews comprising this month’s Passenger Vessel Week.