Through giant makeovers, three Hurtigruten vessels will be transformed to 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.
Hurtigruten CEO Daniel Skjeldam says: “This means Hurtigruten – which this summer introduced the world’s first hybrid powered cruise ship, MS Roald Amundsen – will add another three hybrid powered ships to what is already considered the greenest fleet of cruise ships in the world.
“With these new expedition cruise vessels, guests will be able to explore Norway like never before, with all the comforts, facilities and expertise they need for creating a perfect adventure. Combined with groundbreaking green technology, these ships will truly stand out.”
As they are transformed into full-fledged premium expedition cruise ships, the current MS Trollfjord, MS Finnmarken and MS Midnatsol, will be renamed MS Maud, MS Otto Sverdrup and MS Eirik Raude.
The three ships will receive a total makeover. MS Otto Sverdrup will have battery packs installed during a 2020 yard stay, with a letter of intent for the same battery installation on MS Maud and MS 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.
“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.
