
Norway’s Vard has won a deal to build two liquefied natural gas (LPG);powered car-and-passenger ferries for Torghatten Nord.
To be built under a Nkr600m ($70m) contract, the ferries will perform environmentally friendly operations in the Norwegian fjords.
The vessels are scheduled for completion in late-2018 and will accommodate up to 180 cars, as well as 550 passengers and crew.
Featuring a length of 130m, a width of 20.7m width and a Multi Maritime MM 125FD design, the ferries will be able to cruise at a speed of around 18k.
They will also be equipped with hybrid gas-electric propulsion with battery systems to reduce fuel consumption and emissions.
Vard CEO and executive director Roy Reite said: “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.

US Tariffs are shifting - will you react or anticipate?
Don’t let policy changes catch you off guard. Stay proactive with real-time data and expert analysis.
By GlobalData“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.”
Vard Braila will build the hulls of the vessels in Romania.
Last May, Vard signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) to design and build two expedition cruise vessels for an undisclosed cruise company.