Norwegian company Norled has successfully launched the world's first ferry that runs on liquid hydrogen. The ship is named MF Hydra which is a hybrid that uses batteries and liquid hydrogen fuel cells.
It was previously tested for invention at Helmeland wharf and after two weeks of sea trials, the Norwegian Maritime Authority (NMA) has given the final approval to operate the ferry.
Since the beginning of the year, Norled has been testing the system, and in recent weeks, the Norwegian Maritime Authority has given its final clearances.
The ferry will travel in Norway on a triangular route between Hjelmeland, Skipavik, and Nesvik.
The 82.4-meter-long MF Hydra, which was delivered in 2021, can carry up to 300 passengers and 80 vehicles.
It will be able to travel at a speed of 9 knots thanks to its two 200 kW fuel cells, two 440 kW generators, and two Shottel thrusters.
The ferry has an 80 cbm hydrogen storage tank, which should allow it to decrease its yearly carbon emissions by up to 95%.
Norled worked with a number of foreign partners to achieve this milestone.
The hydrogen systems on board were supplied by the German company Linde Engineering. Dane Ballard invented fuel cells that use hydrogen to generate power.

To exist as a liquid, H2 must be cooled below its critical point of 33 K. However, to remain completely liquid at atmospheric pressure, H2 needs to be cooled to 20.28 K (−252.87 °C; to −423.17 °C).
A common method of obtaining liquid hydrogen involves a compressor resembling a jet engine in both appearance and principle.