5 companies join forces to supply hydrogen cruise ship
A multidisciplinary collaboration will develop a complete hydrogen value chain for Northern Xplorer’s cruise ship.
Multi Maritime’s illustration of the first of Northern Xplorer's cruise ships, which will be built in Portugal. Photo: Multi Maritime
The ship will be the first zero-emission cruise ship with fuel cells and electric propulsion from Northern Xplorer. It will be part of a series of 14 new emission-free cruise ships, each with a capacity of 250 passengers.
Signed agreement
5 companies now join forces to supply the first cruise ship with hydrogen, as well as make pollution-free hydrogen available to the wider maritime market.
Last week 5 partners signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU):
Northern Xplorer AS, a zero-emission cruise venture.
Norwegian Hydrogen AS, a hydrogen provider and owner of infrastructure.
HYON AS, a high-capacity hydrogen transfer system supplier.
Multi Maritime AS, a ship designer company.
Hexagon Purus Maritime AS, a hydrogen storage system provider.
Preparing for a zero-carbon era
Northern Xplorer’s CEO Rolf A Sandvik says using hydrogen as the energy carrier will enable cruise ships to continue to access vulnerable regions such as Norway’s world heritage fjords, which by government regulation will be closed to ships burning fossil fuels from 2026. Other regions both in Norway and elsewhere will likely follow suit in the future.
CEO Rolf A Sandvik is delighted to be working with Norwegian Hydrogen, HYON, Multi Maritime AS and Hexagon Purus Maritime. Photo: Northern Xplorer.
“This is a very exciting project and a milestone in the development of the clean maritime economy as the green shift takes root. We are delighted to be working with strong partners with deep competence in all the touch points required to develop the infrastructure for hydrogen-powered ships of the future, not only cruise but also commercial shipping,” he added.
Norwegian Hydrogen will assist in developing the infrastructure:
Jens Berge is excited about the concept. Photo: Norwegian Hydrogen.
“Northern Xplorer has a very exciting concept with a spectacular, sustainable and future-oriented ship design that is truly pleasing to the eye. We are very pleased we have been selected to assist in developing the necessary infrastructure for these ships to run on zero-emission hydrogen when they come into operation,” says Jens Berge, CEO of Norwegian Hydrogen.
Eye-catching concept
CEO of Multi Maritime, Mikael Johansen.
“We have been working for three years to create an eye-catching design that will incorporate the latest propulsion technology and vessel systems. It’s great to be part of this ground-breaking project and as a collaboration partner we are eager to bring this vessel and the associated hydrogen infrastructure to reality,” said Multi Maritime CEO Mikael Johansen.
CEO of HYON, Jørn Kristian Lindtvedt, highlights the importance of a complete value chain:
“We are excited to be part of a consortium consisting of industry leaders within the hydrogen value chain. Together we cover the full value chain, making this an important milestone in establishing hydrogen infrastructure for the maritime sector. Time is of the essence,” says Lindtvedt.
Soon a reality
The first zero-emission cruise ship running on compressed hydrogen will soon be a reality. Northern Xplorer signed a Letter of Intent (LoI) with Portuguese shipbuilder West Sea for the construction of its maiden vessel with delivery slated for the start of the 2025/2026 cruise season.
Managing Director of Hexagon Purus Maritime, Robert Haugen:
“This MOU strengthens our existing relationship with Northern Xplorer and expert partners and facilitates the alignment of technologies between us. We look forward to seeing the first zero-emission cruise ship running on compressed hydrogen,” ends Haugen.
Hi!
Do you have questions or comments on this article? Feel free to get in touch.
