Three Norwegian consortia have been selected to develop plans for the world’s first hydrogen-powered high-speed ferry capable of carrying up to 300 passengers over long distances.

The Norwegian municipalities of Finnmark, Nordland, Trondelag and Vestland have called for the consortia to develop and demonstrate their vessel plans in a first phase of the project over 2022 and 2023.

In the second phase, one supplier will be chosen to build and demonstrate the vessel, which should go into pilot operation from 2025.