A Norwegian consortium has been formed to develop a hydrogen supply chain for the Northern Xplorer (NX) first zero-emission cruise ship project as well as a wider maritime market looking for alternative fuels.

The partners comprise the NX cruise venture, hydrogen provider and owner of infrastructure Norwegian Hydrogen, high-capacity hydrogen transfer system supplier HYON, ship designer Multi Maritime and hydrogen storage system provider Hexagon Purus Maritime.

NX earlier said the 250- passenger zero-emission cruise ship operating on fuel cells and electric propulsion will be built by the West Sea shipyard in Viana do Costello, north of Porto, Portugal. It is due for delivery at the start of the 2025/2026 cruise season.

Chief executive Rolf Sandvik said using hydrogen as the energy carrier will enable cruise ships to access vulnerable regions such as Norway’s world heritage fjords, which will be closed to ships burning fossil fuels from 2026.

Sandvik said the consortium agreement was a milestone in the development of a clean maritime economy.

“We are delighted to be working with strong partners with deep competence in all the touch points required to develop the infrastructure for hydrogen-powered ships of the future, not only cruise but also commercial shipping,” he said.

TradeWinds has previously reported that NX is planning a series of 14 identical ships accommodating up to 300 passengers each that will operate in Nordic countries.