MF Hydra

MF Hydra is the world's first liquid hydrogen-powered ferry. Delivered in 2021, the 82.4-meter-long vessel can accommodate up to 300 passengers and 80 vehicles.¹ It has two 200 kW fuel cells, two 440 kW diesel generators, a 1.36 MWh battery,² and two Shottel thrusters³ with a maximum speed of 9 knots.⁴ The vessel is operated by the Norwegian company Norled.⁵⁶

Equipped with an 80 cbm liquid hydrogen storage tank, the MF Hydra ferry was estimated to reduce direct annual carbon emissions by up to 95%.⁷ However, because the hydrogen is produced in Germany,⁸⁹ the vessel's upstream emissions and cost are estimated to be more than double those of a diesel ferry.¹⁰

Constructed by Westcon Yards with design from LMG Marin, MF Hydra measures 82.4 meters in length overall, with a beam of 17.5m, draft of 2.9m, and a depth of 4.1m. The vessel has a gross tonnage of 2,628 or 788 net.¹¹ The vessel incorporates double-wall cryogenic storage for 80 cubic meters or 5.6 tons of liquid hydrogen at -253°C, ¹² enabling up to 12 days of operation or ~1,000 nautical miles.¹³ The hull is constructed from steel in a double-ended configuration to facilitate bidirectional loading and unloading for short-sea ferry routes.¹⁴

The ferry serves a ~11 km round-trip route between Hjelmeland, Skipavik, and Nesvik in Norway, multiple times daily, since entering service in March 2023.¹⁵ It contributes to improved local air quality and reduced noise pollution, with hydrogen systems cutting NOx emissions by up to 90% and particulate matter by 99% relative to diesel.¹⁶

The operational expenses are estimated to be 3x-4x greater than diesel ferries due to hydrogen production and supply chain inefficiencies. When upstream emissions of Germany's grid, hydrogen refinement / compression / liquefaction / leaks, diesel truck transport are factored in; it is estimated MF Hydra has double the emissions of a conventional diesel ferry.¹⁷ While green hydrogen could help address emission concerns, it remains more expensive;¹⁸ and may be a net greenhouse negative depending on hydrogen leakage with GWP100 of ~11.6x versus CO₂.¹⁹