Hydrogen fast ferries: the time to realize them is now
Hydrogen-powered fast ferries have been technically feasible for years. So why hasn’t Norway launched a single one?
Despite significant progress in maritime hydrogen technology, especially in safety, engineering, and regulation, real-world implementation has yet to follow suit. The barriers are familiar: weak financial incentives, insufficient infrastructure, limited bunkering options, and a lack of political momentum. As a result, many promising concepts remain stuck on the drawing board.
To date, Norway still has no hydrogen-powered fast ferries in operation. Yet several international pilot projects have proven that the technology is not only feasible, but functional in practice. This underscores hydrogen’s potential as a viable energy source for fast ferry operations. However, unlocking that potential will require robust long-term financing and the development of sustainable operational models.
The technology exists, but the ferries don’t
International pilot projects have proven that hydrogen propulsion works.
In 2023, the Norwegian ferry operator Norled launched the world’s first car and passenger ferry running fuel cells on liquid hydrogen (LH₂), bunkering at Hjelmeland, a major milestone proving hydrogen’s viability in regular route traffic.
Torghatten Nord’s hydrogen ferry initiative is currently under construction and represents the world’s largest hydrogen ferry project, with full infrastructure integration. The vessel is scheduled for delivery in 2026.
CMB.Tech, based in Belgium, has designed and operates the Hydroville (2017) and Hydrobingo (2021), both hydrogen-powered fast ferries. The Hydroville operates out of Antwerp, while the Hydrobingo serves routes in Japan. Both vessels use dual-fuel hydrogen–diesel high-speed engines. In addition, CMB.Tech also has designed and operates the Hydrotug 1 (2023), the world’s first hydrogen-powered tugboat.
The “MV Sea Change” Hydrogen Ferry in San Francisco has demonstrated that hydrogen fuel cell propulsion works on commercial routes.
These examples and more underscore hydrogen’s promise as a practical energy solution for fast ferry operations. Yet turning that promise into reality hinges on securing long-term financing and the establishing resilient and sustainable operational frameworks. Without these foundations, even the most promising technologies risk remaining unrealized. The broader hydrogen sector continues to grapple with steep capital requirements, slow infrastructure rollout, and uncertain demand signals. The technology itself is proven, but the ecosystem around it must catch up.
Batteries: a heavy burden
Norway’s experience with battery-powered fast ferries has been mixed. The world’s first fully electric fast ferry, MS Medstraum, was pulled from service after its battery capacity dropped to just 84 % . Norled canceled contracts for three electric fast ferries on the Trondheim fjord due to weight and speed issues. In Nordland, six breakdowns in nine months plagued electric ferries, and in Florø, battery charging and performance have caused major disruptions.
The problem? Batteries are heavy. The use of heavy battery packs, especially SWAP solutions with high weight, is challenging in fast ferry operations. These vessels are extremely sensitive to displacement, and maintaining speed and efficiency depends on strict weight control. When large and heavy battery systems are added, a vicious cycle emerges: to meet timetable demands, more battery capacity is needed, but larger batteries increase weight, which in turn requires even more energy to propel the vessel.
At the same time, batteries must be pushed hard, and charging times shortened to keep operations running. This places extreme demands on battery performance and lifespan, drastically reducing the practical service life of battery packs. The result is a technically complex and economically burdensome solution, where weight becomes a fundamental limitation to success.
Hydrogen as the solution
Hydrogen propulsion can break this cycle. By combining batteries for peak loads with fuel cells for continuous operation, vessels become lighter, more flexible, and scalable. This positions hydrogen as an ideal solution for longer, high-speed routes where maintaining reliable timetables is essential, something battery-only systems often struggle to achieve.
By combining smaller batteries for short bursts of peak power with hydrogen-based fuel cells for continuous propulsion, operators can achieve a more efficient, lighter, and flexible solution. This hybrid approach offers better scalability and makes the technology suitable for both regional fast ferry routes and more demanding connections.
Moreover, hydrogen infrastructure and operational experience are steadily growing, with hydrogen increasingly recognized as a viable energy carrier on the international stage. As this ecosystem matures, the feasibility of hydrogen fast ferries becomes even stronger: technically, economically, and environmentally.
Choosing between compressed hydrogen (CH₂) and liquid hydrogen (LH₂) will be key. LH₂ is advancing rapidly and may offer better scalability, but it required integrated planning across the value chain.
A coordinated value chain is essential
Success depends on controlling the entire value chain: from hydrogen production and logistics to bunkering infrastructure, vessel technology, and operations. Without coordination, individual projects risk facing the same barriers as before. Access to locally produced hydrogen and backup systems will be critical. The Florø region, with its dense fast ferry traffic, offers an ideal test case for real-world implementation.
A new project, built on updated frameworks, fresh partnerships, and cross-sector collaboration, can give the hydrogen fast ferry concept the foundation it needs to become a reality.
Norway has the expertise… Let’s use it!
A hydrogen fast ferry project doesn’t need to start from scratch. The technology developed by the ship builders Brødrene Aa in 2017 remains highly relevant. Their expertise in catamaran design and energy-efficient fast ferries, along with the comprehensive study they conducted, means we already have a solid foundation to build on. Since then, significant progress has been made in the regulatory framework, both from class societies, national authorities, and not least through the IMO, creating a much stronger basis for implementation today. A new initiative should therefore leverage this groundwork while updating it to reflect today’s regulatory conditions, opportunities, and technological advancements.
Within the Ocean Hyway Cluster, we already have members and partners covering much of the value chain:
LH2 Shipping: developing liquid hydrogen systems and safety solutions
Norwegian Hydrogen: Producer and supplier of Hydrogen from its production facilities
Hexagon Purus: providing maritime compressed hydrogen storage systems
HYDS Hydrogen Solutions: develop, build and operate local hydrogen production facilities
Corvus: delivering maritime fuel cell and battery systems, and full electric propulsion integration
Brødrene Aa: a leading shipyard with deep expertise in lightweight construction and fast ferry design
These companies are ready to contribute, and they represent a robust foundation for a Norwegian hydrogen ferry initiative.
Public sector must step up
To make this a reality, the public sector must leverage its purchasing power. Just as Norway led the way with battery-powered ferries, regional and national authorities must now do the same for hydrogen. Public contracts and tender requirements can provide the confidence operators and suppliers need to invest. ENOVA and other support agencies must also raise their incentive levels to ensure projects are economically viable and not abandoned midstream. Without strong public commitment, even the most promising hydrogen initiatives may struggle to move beyond the pilot stage.
It’s about more than boats
This isn’t just about boats and vessels. It’s about climate policy, regional development, job creation, and how we envision the future of our coastal communities. We must dare to think differently and avoid locking ourselves into existing concepts, speeds, and timetables. If we simply try to force a “green copy” of today’s system, we’ve likely already lost. Instead, we need a forward-looking mobility model that integrates technology, infrastructure, and travel needs.
To make this vision a reality, the public sector must step up and use its purchasing power. Just as national and regional authorities took a clear lead in deploying battery-powered ferries, they must now do the same for hydrogen fast ferries. Public contracts and procurement requirements can provide the confidence operators and suppliers need to invest, while also helping build the necessary infrastructure and giving the technology it needs.
The time is ripe. Hydrogen fast ferries are no longer a distant dream - they are a viable solution.
What’s needed now is bold leadership, cross-sector collaboration, and strategic investment.
The reward? A cleaner, more efficient, and future-ready maritime sector.
