The Flagships project will raise the readiness of zero-emission waterborne transport to an entirely new level by deploying two commercially operated hydrogen fuel cell vessels. The demo vessels include a push boat in France (Lyon) and a passenger and car ferry in Norway (Stavanger).

The hydrogen ferry is currently under construction at Ada Yard in Istanbul, Turkey. Newly released images show great progress.

Recently ship owner Norled also revealed that the hydrogen ferry will sail under the name MF Hidle.

MF Hidle will be delivered to Norway in March 2021. The installation of H2 equipment is scheduled for late 2021.

The Flagships project has received funding from the Fuel Cells and Hydrogen 2 Joint Undertaking under grant agreement No 826215. This Joint Undertaking receives support from the European Union´s Horizon 2020 research and innovation program and from Hydrogen Europe.

Vessel details:

• Route: Judaberg-Helgøy on the west coast of Norway, with 6 stops
• Daily operation: 140 nm (260 km), 19 hours (6 a.m. – 1 a.m.)
• H₂ fuel consumption: 460 kg / day (to be confirmed)
• Comparable to ca. 1900 litres / day of (bio)diesel
• H₂ storage: 250 bar gaseous with 600 kg total capacity (tbc)
• Bunkering: every night, from shore to ship
• Power system: 3×200 kW PEM fuel cell modules supplied by Ballard Power Systems Europe
• Battery capacity planned 0-500 kWh (need for batteries is under consideration)
• Biodiesel generator back-up power
• Class and flag: approval by DNV-GL, under Norwegian flag (NMA)
• The ferry will have capacity for 199 passengers (including crew), 60 cars or 6 trucks.