Vard Set to Build Two LNG-Fuelled Ferries for Torghatten Nord

by Ship & Bunker News Team
Tuesday January 10, 2017

Vard Tuesday announced that it has secured contracts to build two liquefied natural gas (LNG)-powered RoPax ferries for Norway's Torghatten Nord AS (Torghatten Nord).

Vard says both vessels will be "designed for environmentally friendly operations in the Norwegian fjords," and will feature hybrid gas-electric propulsion with battery systems in order to reduce bunker consumption and associated emissions.

The ferries will each have capacities for 180 cars and 550 passengers and crew, and will be built according to Vard's Multi Maritime MM 125FD design.

Upon completion and delivery in 3Q 2018 and 4Q 2018, respectively, the two ships will be employed on the Halhjem-Sandvikvåg route.

"I would like to welcome Torghatten Nord as a new client to VARD, and we look forward to working together with their team on this exciting project, combining LNG propulsion and battery systems," said Roy Reite, Vard CEO and Executive Director.

"VARD has long experience in building LNG powered and dual fuel vessels. 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."

In October, Ship & Bunker reported that Havyard Ship Technology (Havyard) was set to complete the conversion of two shuttle ferries to hybrid electric propulsion for Torghatten Nord.

Ship & Bunker News Team
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