Vestfjordstrekninga is going to be hydrogen-powered
Statens Veivesen has released the tender specifications for Vestfjordstrekninga, the longest ferry route in Norway, and it is going be hydrogen-powered.
Background
Vestfjordstrekninga connects Bodø, Røst, Værøy and Moskenes and is the longest ferry connection in Norway with 278 kilometres. The tender specification for Vestfjordstrekninga was published earlier this week, starting in 2025. Due to tourism, there is a big increase in traffic on the ferry in the summer season and it is also an important connection for the business development in the community.
The tender specification states that 85% of the fuel must be hydrogen-based, and the remaining 15% must be zero- or low-emissions fuel, such as electricity or biofuel. The hydrogen ferries need to follow the safety guidelines as a regular ferry and should be universally designed.
Illustration: Gaute Larsen, Statens vegvesen
Exciting project
Fjord 1, represented by Tor Kristoffersen, has been a part of the process and thinks it is an exciting project:
The tender specification for Vestfjordstrekninga is exciting with new technology. A tender offer would be of big interest to operators and energy suppliers. Fjord1 has been part of the process, but the tender specification materializes the project.
Mikael Johansen in Multi Maritime is also positive about this project.
Vestfjordstrekninga is a big tender and it is good to see that Statens Veivesen is taking a leap into hydrogen as an energy carrier and facilitate green development.
