Vard to Build Two LNG-Powered Ferries for Norway

Vard announced it has secured contracts for the construction of two LNG powered car and passenger ferries for Torghatten Nord in Norway. The new car and passenger ferries are designed for environmentally friendly operations in the Norwegian fjords, with a total capacity that can accommodate up to 180 cars and 550 passengers and crew. The ferries of Multi Maritime MM 125FD design will measure more than 425-feet in length and will have a speed of approximately 18 knots.

“VARD has long experience in building LNG powered and dual fuel vessels,” said CEO and Executive Director Mr. Roy Reite. “We delivered the world’s first LNG powered car- and passenger ferry back in the year 2000, and have delivered a broad range of ships using this innovative technology since, including offshore vessels, ferries and a fish feed carrier.”

Delivery of the ferries is scheduled from Vard Brevik in Norway in the third and fourth quarters of 2018, respectively. The hulls of the vessels will be built by Vard Braila in Romania. They will be equipped with hybrid gas-electric propulsion with battery systems to reduce fuel consumption and emissions, meeting the latest requirements for energy efficiency.

The ferries are intended to be used on the Halhjem-Sandvikvåg crossing, where Torghatten Nord has been awarded a five-year contract with the Norwegian government.