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.

"We look forward to working together with their team on this exciting project, combining LNG propulsion and battery systems."

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.

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“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.

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