Norway’s Largest Zero-Emission Ferry Begins Journey From Turkey

Cemre Shipyard has announced the delivery voyage of NB1091 Hinnøy, Norway’s largest fully battery-powered ferry, which departed from Yalova, Turkey, on April 15, 2025.

The vessel, built for Norwegian ferry operator Torghatten, is heading towards her new home in the northern fjords of Norway.

Hinnøy was developed by The Norwegian Ship Design Company and constructed with great attention to detail at Cemre Shipyard.

The vessel is specifically designed for the Bognes-Lødingen route in Arctic Norway and will be replacing older LNG-powered ferries that have served the area for the past decade.

Hinnøy, measuring 117 meters in length and weighing 7,115 gross tons, is a double-ended RoRo ferry that is setting new standards for battery-electric propulsion in the maritime industry.

It features a cutting-edge Siemens water-cooled battery system with a capacity of approximately 4,750 kWh and is powered by two 1.8 MW Schottel propulsion motors.

These allow the ferry to maintain a consistent and impressive service speed of 14 knots, even in the harsh and exposed weather conditions common in Norway’s Arctic waters.

The vessel’s ability to complete the crossing in just one hour makes it the fastest ferry of its kind on such routes.

She is fitted with two independent propulsion systems, providing redundancy and enhanced reliability to ensure smooth sailing.

In case shore power is unavailable, biodiesel generators onboard can support standard operations.

The ferry will utilise powerful shore connections that offer up to 9,200 watts for rapid charging of the onboard batteries, possibly the highest capacity shore connection installed for a ferry of this type.

The vessel, built under DNV classification and sailing under the Norwegian flag, has a passenger capacity of up to 399 people and can carry 120 cars.

Both the interior and exterior were designed with a focus on passenger comfort, operational efficiency, and environmental safety.

The ferry also features a fully enclosed design, allowing it to operate seamlessly through challenging weather conditions, unlike many earlier battery ferries that were open and suited only for shorter, calmer routes.

The order for Hinnøy was placed in April 2022, and the vessel was launched in November 2023. After successful final tests and certification, the ship has now begun her voyage to Norway.

Torghatten Nord also plans to build two hydrogen-powered ferries.

These ships, also 117 meters long and capable of carrying 120 cars, will be the world’s largest hydrogen ferries and are set to operate on Norway’s longest ferry route between Bodø and Lofoten.

They are scheduled for delivery in 2026 and will be built by Myklebust Verft in Norway.

Reference: cemreshipyard

Source: Maritime Shipping News