MAN Cryo gets to work on ‘world’s largest’ hydrogen-powered ships

MAN Cryo, a subsidiary of German equipment provider MAN Energy Solutions (MAN ES), has been contracted by Norwegian shipping company Torghatten Nord to work on a project encompassing the design and engineering of two hydrogen-powered ferries.

As informed, MAN Cryo will provide the detailed design for bunkering systems, hydrogen piping, and vent masts for the newbuild vessels. Additionally, the company will act as a system integrator for the hydrogen process plant, coordinating with other major suppliers in the project.

“We are very pleased to have signed this contract with MAN Cryo. By this contract, we have extended our cooperation from LNG to also include hydrogen,” Eirik Olsen, Operational Director Torghatten Nord AS, said.

“We have been working with MAN Cryo on several projects in the past, and we know it as a forward-thinking and solution-oriented company. We look forward to continuing our good collaboration with MAN Cryo and to bring their gas expertise onboard the prestigious hydrogen ferry projects for Torghatten Nord,” Gjermund Johannessen, CEO The Norwegian Ship Design Company, stated.

“This new order underscores MAN Energy Solutions’ leadership within developing future-fuel systems for the maritime sector. With a strong focus on advanced engineering, tailored design and seamless integration capabilities, our specialist team at MAN Cryo is setting new standards in sustainable marine operations,” Henrik Malm, Managing Director MAN Energy Solutions Sweden, commented.

“In this way, we are contributing significantly to ‘Moving Big Things to Zero,’ testament to our vision for a cleaner, greener maritime future where innovation leads the way in reducing ecological footprints. Torghatten Nord is set to revolutionise ferry transportation with these vessels powered by green hydrogen, which will be a critical step towards achieving zero-emission operation.”

Torghatten Nord won the ‘Bodø – Værøy – Røst – Moskenes’ ferry tender in northern Norway. Two new vessels designed by The Norwegian Ship Design Company will be phased into the route with the hulls built by Cemre shipyard in Türkiye and towed to Myklebust Werft shipyard in Norway for outfitting.

All hydrogen equipment will also be installed in Norway. At 117 meters long with a 120-car capacity, the duo will be the world’s largest hydrogen-powered ships, operating on green hydrogen at least 85% of the time.

Operating at an average speed of 17 knots in often challenging conditions, the vessels will navigate the 278km-long Vestfjordstrekninga ferry route connecting Bodø, the islands of Røst and Værøy, and Moskenes.

The project stems from a Norwegian government initiative for major vessels operating on the challenging mainland Lofoten Islands crossing to become emission-free.

Both vessels are set for delivery in 2026.