Sembcorp Marine world’s first liquid hydrogen-powered vessel wins award

LMG Marin AS, a subsidiary of Singapore-based maritime engineering firm Sembcorp Marine, on Thursday (30 September) received the ‘Ship of the Year Award’ from Skipsrevyen, a 50 year-old Nordic maritime magazine publication house.

MF HYDRA is a zero-emission vessel operated by Norled and will be the world’s first vessel to be powered by liquid hydrogen. At more than 82m long with a capacity of up to 300 passengers and 80 cars, MF HYDRA operates at a service speed of about nine knots.

Equipped with an 80m3 liquid hydrogen tank, the vessel is able to ply its route in the fjord area between Hjelmeland, Nesvik and Skipavik for up to three weeks without refuelling. 

Its sophisticated propulsion system allows batteries to operate in conjunction with the liquid fuel hydrogen fuel cells and also includes a redundancy feature that allows the ferry to sail on biodiesel.

“MF HYDRA was a ground-breaking project that challenged traditional technological solutions and design,” says Ms Erna Solberg, Norwegian Prime Minister.

“As the world’s first ship powered by liquid hydrogen, MF HYDRA is a game-changer for the marine industry. It will pave the way for the adoption of hydrogen as a fuel for shipping and support the International Maritime Organization’s goal to halve global greenhouse gas emissions by 2050,” adds Torbjorn Bringedal, LMG Marin Managing Director.. 

“LMG Marin, with our extensive track record of innovative naval architecture is proud to contribute to global decarbonisation efforts and a more sustainable world for current and future generations.”

Photo credit: Sembcorp Marine
Published: 1 October, 2021