Batteries, shore power and biofuel are at the core of Hurtigruten Group's large-scale green upgrade of the entire fleet of Hurtigruten Norwegian Coastal Express ships. The upgrades will result in a CO2 emissions reduction by at least 25%, and NOx emissions cut by 80%.

In one of the largest environmental upgrades in the history of European shipping, all seven Hurtigruten Norwegian Coastal Express ships will undergo significant development by 2023.

“The world's most beautiful voyage just got even better,” Hurtigruten Norwegian Coastal Express CEO, Hedda Felin, said. 

“We are combining the best available technical solutions and cutting CO2 emissions along the Norwegian coast by at least a quarter. And most importantly, we are laying the foundation for introducing new and even more efficient environmental solutions as they are developed.”

Battery hybrid upgrades

The ships will be upgraded using a combination of technologies and solutions specially adapted for each individual ship. All ships have already been fitted with shore-power connectivity to fully eliminate emissions when connected in port.

Three ships – MS Richard With, MS Nordlys and MS Kong Harald – will undergo a full-fledged transformation to battery-hybrid power, with installation of new low-emission engines and large battery packs.

President Egil Haugsdal of Kongsberg Maritime (KM), which is undertaking the three-ship hybrid conversion, said this was one of the largest environmental vessel upgrade projects ever done in Europe. 

“For us, it's rewarding to work with a company which shares our ambitious approach to technology and environmental issues. The green upgrades of Hurtigruten Norwegian Coastal Express' ships represent a sustainable choice for their existing fleet,” said Mr Haugsdal.

KM has partnered with Norway's Myklebust yard for the first battery-hybrid upgrade.

New steps towards zero emissions 

Hurtigruten Norwegian Coastal Express is part of Hurtigruten Group, one of the world's leading adventure travel groups, which also includes Hurtigruten Expeditions, the world's largest expedition cruise line.

Hurtigruten Group, CEO Daniel Skjeldam, said the company's goal was to operate all its ships and all its cruises completely emission free. 

“While we get one step closer day-by-day, we cannot sit idle and wait for the technology to be in place. We are working closely with our partners to drive change, move boundaries while we at the same time utilise the best solutions available already today,” said Mr Skjeldam.

To begin the green upgrade program immediately as Hurtigruten Norwegian Coastal Express returns all seven ships to operation this European summer, certified biofuel will be introduced across the fleet.

Hurtigruten Expeditions will also start trials with biofuel on selected ships and selected itineraries in 2021.

Green pioneers

Damian Perry, Managing Director of Hurtigruten Asia Pacific, said the green upgrades of the Hurtigruten Norwegian Coastal Express ships were the latest in a series of large-scale investment in sustainability and green technology across the Hurtigruten Group.

“In addition to launching the world's first battery-hybrid-powered cruise ships, MS Roald Amundsen, and MS Fridtjof Nansen, Hurtigruten Expeditions is transforming MS Finnmarken. The ship will be a battery-hybrid powered expedition cruise ship renamed to MS Otto Sverdrup, with large battery packs and advanced green technology,” Mr Perry said. 

In 2018, Hurtigruten Group celebrated its 125th anniversary by being the first cruise line and major travel company to ban single-use plastic.

Across companies and destinations, Hurtigruten Group is working closely with local communities, suppliers and partners in the quest for more sustainable operations.

For further information visit www.hurtigruten.com.au

ABOUT HURTIGRUTEN GROUP

Building on 127 years of Norwegian pioneering heritage, Hurtigruten Group is the world's leading Expedition and Coastal cruise company. 

Hurtigruten Expeditions' rapidly growing fleet of custom-built expedition ships takes modern-day adventure travellers to the world's most spectacular destinations on our planet – from the High North to Antarctica in the south. Being the world leader in exploration travel comes with great responsibility, and Hurtigruten runs a responsible, sustainable global operation. Read more about Hurtigruten's sustainability efforts here. 

Hurtigruten introduced the world's first hybrid battery powered cruise ships, the MS Roald Amundsen, in 2019, and sister ship the MS Fridtjof Nansen in March 2020. 

Hurtigruten Norwegian Coastal Express - 'The Original since 1893' - sails along the scenic Norwegian coast connecting 34 key communities in all seasons. Its extensive fleet varies in size and age. Each of the ships offer quality restaurants, bars, cafes, observation decks and panorama lounges, but they vary in style to offer something unique. No matter the vessel, they all provide an intimate and special travel experience.

Hurtigruten takes the health and safety of crew and passengers seriously and is constantly updating protocols based on the latest Government advice. More information can be found here.