Brunvoll propulsion systems for Torghatten Nord’s Hydrogen ferries

April 23, 2024

igure 1. The hydrogen powered ferries are designed for the Lofoten area. (Illustration by The Norwegian Ship Design Company)

Brunvoll has been contracted to deliver the propulsion, manoeuvring and autonomy systems for two hydrogen powered ferries for Torghatten Nord AS. The ferries will operate the harsh route to and from Lofoten in Norway, more specifically the Bodø-Verøy-Røst-Moskenes route. The ferries are of a new and innovative ship design with hydrogen fuel cells in mind, and the designer is The Norwegian Ship Design Company AS. Both ferries included in the contract will be delivered from Myklebust Yard in 2026

The Brunvoll contract includes two azimuth propulsion thrusters, BruCon Propulsion & Thruster Control System, BruCon Auto-Crossing system, and BruCon Condition Monitoring System. The pulling azimuth propulsion thrusters are of the largest size that Brunvoll delivers today. The illustration in this article shows the sheer size of the propulsion units. The installation of high propulsion power is one of the design considerations which make the vessels ready for the rough sea conditions experienced in this area which is open towards the North Sea.

“We see Brunvoll as a good and reliable collaboration partner for propulsion, manoeuvring and autonomy solutions. When approaching such a game-changing project we want to source the best solutions from able suppliers,“ says Leiv Sindre Muren, CEO at Myklebust Yard.

Figure 2: From Brunvoll’s pulling azimuth series. The largest size will be supplied for the new ferries. (Illustration by Brunvoll)

The BruCon Condition Monitoring System will allow for remote monitoring and operational optimization throughout the vessel lifetime. Replacing the older ferries with hydrogen powered newbuilds will lead to an estimated CO2 emission saving of 26.500 metric tons. The routes are part of Norways national road network, and the Norwegian Public Roads Administration has set clear goals for emissions reduction for all new public ferry tenders. The contract for these routes came with a specified requirement for hydrogen powered vessels, and the Norwegian maritime industry has stepped up for the challenge.

Figure 3: These routes in the Lofoten area will be serviced by the new hydrogen powered ferries. (Illustration by Brunvoll)

The hydrogen powered vessels will be a new experience for all vessel owner, vessel operators, and vessel crew. To simplify the vessel day-to-day operation the BruCon Auto-Crossing system will be installed to ensure energy efficient crossing of the Ytre Vestfjord (the Outer Western Fjord) on each transit, irrespective of onboard crew, weather conditions, and other disturbances the bridge crew will have to manage.

“We are excited to take part in Myklebust Yard and Torghatten Nord’s journeys towards hydrogen powered vessels. The harsh weather conditions outside Lofoten will allow us to demonstrate the robustness of our BruCon Auto-Crossing autonomy system for ferries and we are looking forward to the delivery and commissioning for Myklebust Yard,” says Kåre Øyvind Vassdal, CEO at Brunvoll.