Naval architecture practice Norwegian Ship Design now has five hydrogen fuelled vessels in order, cementing what it regards as a leading position in this segment.
CEO Gjermund Johannessen said: “We have since the foundation of the company had a clear ambition to be a world leader in the rapid shift towards sustainable shipping. We are extremely satisfied that we now succeed within several ship segments with our innovative and ground-breaking concepts”.
The two new vessels for Halten Bulk belong to the ‘Powered by Nature’ concept developed in close cooperation with shipowner Egil Ulvan Rederi. The vessels will derive a large part of their energy direct from nature through two large rotor sails.
The vessels will be around 100m long and have a cargo hold volume of some 8000m3, and they will trade along the Norwegian Coast and in the North and Baltic Seas. The vessels will be arranged with a hydrogen fuelled engine as well as diesel generators. In a transitional period before hydrogen fuel supply is widespread in the trade area, it is expected that about 70% of the fuel required will be hydrogen and the remaining diesel oil.
As well as providing funding amounting to NOK 142m for the two vessels, Norwegian government agency Enova has granted subsidies for five hydrogen fuelling stations along the Norwegian Coast, and refuelling is planned at these stations.
