Torghatten Nord AS - Experts & Thought Leaders

Brunvoll is pleased to announce its partnership with Torghatten Nord in the construction of a new hybrid ferry, set to operate between Svolvær and Skutvik in Lofoten, Norway. Scheduled for delivery in 2026, the ferry will improve both capacity and sustainability on this key route. “Our goal is to build a hybrid vessel that operates electrically over shorter distances and in hybrid mode over longer routes, contributing to lower emissions across our operations,” says Eirik Olsen, Operational Director at Torghatten Nord. Brunvoll and Torghatten Nord partner on new hybrid vessel The 73.3-metre long vessel, with a breadth of 14.3 metres, will accommodate 50 cars and 199 passengers. Equipped with a 3600 kWh battery capacity, the ferry will operate on electric power between Svolvær and Skrova, and in hybrid mode during the summer to Skutvik, significantly reducing NOx and CO2 emissions. Brunvoll to supply essential systems for the ferry Brunvoll will supply essential systems for the ferry, including two pulling azimuth thrusters Brunvoll will supply essential systems for the ferry, including two pulling azimuth thrusters, an Auto-Crossing system, a remote condition monitoring system, and a bridge-to-blade control system (BruCon PTC), ensuring efficient and reliable operation. The ferry will be constructed by Western Baltija Shipbuilding, located in Lithuania, and is designed by The Norwegian Ship Design Company. The vessel is scheduled for delivery in 2026. Brunvoll and Torghatten Nord partnership “We are proud to support this project with our advanced propulsion and autonomy solutions,” says Nils Arne Øksenvåg, Sales Manager at Brunvoll. Brunvoll's Auto-Crossing system will be installed, featuring a bridge control panel. The BruCon Auto-Crossing system keeps the route and speed, steady and efficiently, with smooth accelerations.

MAN Cryo has been contracted by Torghatten Nord A/S, the Norwegian ferry company, to work on a project encompassing the design and engineering of two hydrogen-powered newbuild RoPax ferries. The project stems from a Norwegian government initiative for major vessels operating on the challenging mainland-Lofoten Islands crossing to become emission-free. Part of MAN Energy Solutions and a pioneering expert within engineering solutions for cryogenic equipment for the storage, distribution, and handling of gasses, MAN Cryo will provide the detailed design for bunkering systems, hydrogen piping and vent masts for the vessels. Additionally, MAN Cryo will act as a system integrator for the hydrogen process plant, coordinating with other major suppliers in the project. Ferry tender in northern Norway Two new vessels designed by The Norwegian Ship Design Company will be phased into the route Torghatten Nord A/S previously won the ‘Bodø-Værøy-Røst-Moskenes’ ferry tender in northern Norway. Two new vessels designed by The Norwegian Ship Design Company will be phased into the route with the hulls built by Cemre shipyard in Türkiye and towed to Myklebust shipyard in Norway for outfitting; all hydrogen equipment will also be installed in Norway. Operating on green, compressed hydrogen, both vessels are set for delivery to Torghatten Nord A/S in 2026. Eirik Olsen, Operational Director Torghatten Nord AS, said: “We are very pleased to have signed this contract with MAN Cryo. By this contract, we have extended our cooperation from LNG to also include hydrogen.” Good collaboration with MAN Cryo Gjermund Johannessen, CEO of The Norwegian Ship Design Company, said: “We have been working with MAN Cryo on several projects in the past, and we know it as a forward-thinking and solution-oriented company. We look forward to continuing our good collaboration with MAN Cryo and to bring their gas expertise onboard the prestigious hydrogen ferry projects for Torghatten Nord.” Henrik Malm, Managing Director of MAN Energy Solutions Sweden, said: “This new order underscores MAN Energy Solutions' leadership within developing future-fuel systems for the maritime sector. With a strong focus on advanced engineering, tailored design and seamless integration capabilities, our specialist team at MAN Cryo is setting new standards in sustainable marine operations. In this way, we are contributing significantly to 'Moving Big Things to Zero,' a testament to our vision for a cleaner, greener maritime future where innovation leads the way in reducing ecological footprints. Torghatten Nord is set to revolutionise ferry transportation with these vessels powered by green hydrogen, which will be a critical step towards achieving zero-emission operation.”

Brunvoll has been contracted to deliver the propulsion, manoeuvring, and autonomy systems for two hydrogen-powered ferries for Torghatten Nord AS. Innovative ship design The ferries will operate the harsh route to and from Lofoten in Norway, more specifically the Bodø-Verøy-Røst-Moskenes route.  The ferries are of a new and innovative ship design with hydrogen fuel cells in mind, and the designer is The Norwegian Ship Design Company AS. Both ferries included in the contract will be delivered from Myklebust Yard in 2026. Azimuth propulsion thrusters The pulling azimuth propulsion thrusters are of the largest size that Brunvoll delivers currently The Brunvoll contract includes two azimuth propulsion thrusters, BruCon Propulsion & ThrusterControl System, BruCon Auto-Crossing System, and BruCon Condition Monitoring System. The pulling azimuth propulsion thrusters are of the largest size that Brunvoll delivers currently. The illustration in this article shows the sheer size of the propulsion units.  Propulsion, manoeuvring, and autonomy solutions The installation of high propulsion power is one of the design considerations that make the vessels ready for the rough sea conditions experienced in this area which is open towards the North Sea. "We see Brunvoll as a good and reliable collaboration partner for propulsion, manoeuvring, and autonomy solutions. When approaching such a game-changing project we want to source the best solutions from able suppliers,“ says Leiv Sindre Muren, CEO at Myklebust Yard. BruCon Condition Monitoring System The contract for these routes came with a specified requirement for hydrogen-powered vessels The BruCon Condition Monitoring System will allow for remote monitoring and operational optimisation throughout the vessel's lifetime. Replacing the older ferries with hydrogen-powered new builds will lead to an estimated CO2 emission saving of 26.500 metric tons. The routes are part of Norway's national road network, and the Norwegian Public Roads Administration has set clear goals for emissions reduction for all new public ferry tenders. The contract for these routes came with a specified requirement for hydrogen-powered vessels, and the Norwegian maritime industry has stepped up for the challenge. Hydrogen-powered vessels To simplify the vessel's day-to-day operation the BruCon Auto-Crossing system will be installed to ensure energy-efficient The hydrogen-powered vessels will be a new experience for all vessel owners, vessel operators, and vessel crew. To simplify the vessel's day-to-day operation the BruCon Auto-Crossing system will be installed to ensure energy-efficient crossing of the Ytre Vestfjord (the Outer Western Fjord) on each transit, irrespective of onboard crew, weather conditions, and other disturbances the bridge crew will have to manage. Delivery and commissioning “We are excited to take part in Myklebust Yard and Torghatten Nord’s journeys towards hydrogen-powered vessels,” says KåreØyvind Vassdal, CEO at Brunvoll. "The harsh weather conditions outside Lofoten will allow us to demonstrate the robustness of our BruCon Auto-Crossing autonomy system for ferries and we are looking forward to the delivery and commissioning for Myklebust Yard."