During the recent Nor-Shipping exhibition, HAV Group CEO, Gunnar Larsen, and Havila Voyages CEO, Bent Martini, outlined initial thoughts on continuing their co-operation.
Havila Voyages said it wants to grow the Bergen/Kirkenes/Bergen route in the next contract period and further reduce its emissions.
“Even with the current fleet, we can already deliver a minimum of carbon neutrality by using biogas. Today’s ships can be further optimised and operated with green hydrogen or carbon capture with LNGameChanger. This is realistic – not just a vision,” Martini said.
“In addition, it’s possible to optimise energy consumption by up to 30% on today’s ships, which will have a significant positive effect in reducing emissions,” he added.
With ambitions for growth on the Coastal Route, the company will also need to build new ships.
“Together with HAV Group, we’ve begun looking at the next generation of coastal cruise ships. These will be based on the current fleet but will be even better, with features that surpass what is already a strong foundation,” Martini explained.
The details of the planned new ships are not yet finalized, and several solutions have been discussed.
“Optimising energy consumption on board – both in hotel operations and propulsion systems – is good for reducing emissions but also makes sense economically. At the same time, we want ships that, regardless of energy use, produce the lowest emissions possible.
“We have a clear message for Norwegian authorities: much stricter environmental requirements in the next contract. Minimum year-round carbon neutrality on the entire route is our firm recommendation – and we’re ready to deliver on that from day one with our entire fleet,” Martini said.
At Nor-Shipping, Larsen and Martini invited the Norwegian maritime cluster to work closely together to realise these ambitions.
“The Norwegian maritime cluster is world-class in innovation and development. We want to collaborate closely with suppliers who see solutions that can make the Coastal Route a beacon in reducing the climate impact of large passenger ships,” he concluded.
HAV Group,is already working on solutions for both the current fleet and future coastal route ships.
“Havila Voyages’ demands is clear, and we’re taking on the challenge wholeheartedly,” said Larsen.
“This is a collaboration we’re truly looking forward to, and as a supplier of maritime solutions together with our subsidiaries, we are confident that we can meet the requirements,” he said.
Larsen also emphasised the importance of co-operation within the maritime cluster to achieve the goals.
“Together, we can continue putting Norway on the maritime map. We have the brains and the resources to find the best solutions – ones that can also be scaled up and applied to other areas of the shipping industry. The opportunities are endless,” Larsen concluded.
