Torghatten Nord winner of the tender on Vestfjordstrekninga

Statens Vegvesen have chosen Torghatten Nord as the winner of the tender to host the ferry Bodø-Røst-Verøy-Moskenes. The contract is for 15 years, from 1. October 2025 to 30. September 2040, with an option for a year, says Statens Vegvesen in a press release. Statens Vegvesen received five offers, from four actors.

Bodø - Røst - Værøy - Moskenes will be on hydrogen. On the picture is one of the ferries there today. Photo: Statens Vegvesen

Background

Vestfjordstrekninga connects Bodø, Røst, Værøy and Moskenes and is the longest ferry connection in Norway with 278 kilometers. 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. The tender has not set a requirement for the hydrogen to be produced in Norway, but several of the actors working on the ferry tender has plans on establishing a hydrogen factory in the Salten region to secure local, green energy. The region has a considerable amount of hydropower with limitations for export. Because of this, the ferry is well located to use the hydropower to produce hydrogen locally.

Torghatten wins the tender

Statens Vegvesen received five offers, from five offers where they have chosen Torghatten Nord as the winner of the tender.

Torghatten Nord as the winner of the tender has 10 lay days.