Three Hurtigruten vessels are to be transformed into premium, hybrid powered expedition cruise ships.
Equipped with battery packs and other green technology, the three ships will operate year-round expedition cruises along the Norwegian coast from 2021 on yet to be disclosed itineraries.
This means Hurtigruten – which this summer introduced the world’s first hybrid powered cruise ship, ‘Roald Amundsen’ – will add another three hybrid powered ships.
“With these new expedition cruise vessels, you will be able to explore Norway like never before, with all the comforts, facilities and expertise you need for creating a perfect adventure. Combined with groundbreaking green technology, these ships will truly stand out,” Hurtigruten CEO, Daniel Skjeldam, claimed.
As they are rebuilt into premium expedition cruise ships, the current ‘Trollfjord’, ‘Finnmarken’ and ‘Midnatsol’, will be renamed ‘Maud’, ‘Otto Sverdrup’ and ‘Eirik Raude’, respectively.
‘Otto Sverdrup’ will have battery packs installed during a 2020 yard stay, with a letter of intent signed for the same battery installation on ‘Maud’ and ‘Eirik Raude’ in 2021. The battery packs will support the ships engines, and drastically cut emissions.
The three ships will also be equipped for shore power, to cut emissions to zero when docked in ports with shore power facilities.
In addition, the three ships will get substantially upgraded low-emission engines, complying with all known and upcoming regulations (Tier III).
“At Hurtigruten, the push for sustainable solutions and introduction of green technology is the core of everything we do. We operate in some of the most spectacular areas of the world. This comes with a responsibility,” Skjeldam added.
As expedition cruise ships, they will carry a maximum of 530 guests.
The keel-to-mast upgrades will introduce several new features and venues on the ships. Some of the highlights include:
– using natural Scandinavian materials such as granite, oak, birch and wool, all public areas on the three ships will be redesigned to create a relaxed and stylish look and feel, and add to the premium on board experience.
– a specially designed Expedition Launch – the tender pit area where guests embark on excursions and off-ship adventures – will be added each ship, complete with tender boats and other expedition equipment.
– all cabins and suites will be completely refurbished, and new suites with spectacular views added.
Hurtigruten’s signature Science Centre will be added to the three ships.
