Torghatten Nord, a pioneering ferry operator, has set a groundbreaking precedent by signing a long-term agreement with hydrogen producer GreenH.
This partnership marks the commencement of a transformative journey that aims to revolutionize ferry operations in Norway’s scenic coastal regions. By harnessing the power of green hydrogen, the Bodø-Moskenes-Værøy-Røst ferry connection is set to become an emblem of environmentally responsible transport, fostering reduced emissions, innovative technology, and sustainable economic growth.
Torghatten Nord’s commitment to green hydrogen is not just a symbolic gesture; it’s a strategic move toward a more sustainable maritime industry. The recently forged agreement solidifies a collaboration that extends from 2025 to 2040, underlining the long-term dedication required to bring this innovative vision to fruition. According to Torkild Torkildsen, the visionary mind behind Torghatten Nord, this agreement is not just about fuel; it’s about embracing new technology, forging partnerships, and navigating uncharted waters with environmental stewardship at the helm.
The Norwegian Public Roads Administration has quantified the staggering impact of this green initiative. The hydrogen-powered ferries are projected to collectively curtail an astonishing 26,500 tonnes of CO2 emissions annually. This reduction is equivalent to neutralizing the emissions generated by around 13,000 diesel cars each year. This statistic underscores the tangible difference that sustainable ferry operations can make, effectively aligning with Norway’s commitment to climate goals and fostering a cleaner future for generations to come.
The forthcoming transformation hinges on GreenH’s upcoming hydrogen production facility at Langstranda in Bodø. This state-of-the-art facility, with a projected capacity of 6-10 tonnes of hydrogen per day, will not only supply the fuel for the ferries but also facilitate the sale and distribution of oxygen and the exchange of heat to the district heating network. With an estimated investment cost of up to NOK 1 billion, this venture will directly and indirectly create 10-30 jobs while positioning Bodø as a dynamic hub for sustainable energy and technological advancement.
The impacts of the green hydrogen revolution transcend ferry operations. The hydrogen production facility at Langstranda holds the potential to redefine various sectors. GreenH envisions its facility as a potential test base for green aviation, harnessing the availability of oxygen to revolutionize farming practices and contemplating the exchange of heat to district heating networks in collaboration with Bodø Energy and Heat. This multifaceted approach exemplifies the synergy between sustainable practices and innovative ideas that can invigorate a region’s economic and environmental landscape.
Torkild Torkildsen acknowledges that pioneering such a transformative project comes with its own set of challenges. The complexity of developing, constructing, and operating hydrogen-fueled ferries underscores the significance of collaboration between Torghatten Nord, GreenH, and the support of local and national authorities. As the world grapples with economic uncertainties and global unrest, the pioneering journey of these hydrogen ferries embodies resilience, innovation, and the unwavering pursuit of a greener future.
As the ferries set sail powered by green hydrogen from October 2025, Norway’s maritime landscape is poised to change forever. The triumphant fusion of Torghatten Nord’s vision, GreenH’s innovation, and the collaborative support of authorities has the potential to make the Bodø-Moskenes-Værøy-Røst ferry connection a beacon of hope for the global maritime industry. In an era where sustainable practices are paramount, this pioneering project emerges as a model of sustainable progress and a testament to the transformative power of green hydrogen.
