Press release -
Hurtigruten announces first hybrid expedition ship captain
At the age of 17, he started his career as a Hurtigruten galley assistant. 37 years later, Kai Albrigtsen (54) will take command of the world’s first hybrid powered cruise ship.
When Hurtigruten’s MS Roald Amundsen embarks on her maiden voyage in 2019, it is not only the ship herself that will make history. On the bridge, Kai Albrigtsen will be the first captain of a hybrid powered cruise ship.
- It is a great honor and a big responsibility. Taking command over such a unique vessel is without a doubt the highlight of my career, the 54-year-old Norwegian says.
MS Roald Amundsen is currently under construction on Norway’s Kleven yard, alongside with her sister ship MS Fridtjof Nansen. The groundbreaking ships will be delivered in 2019 and 2020 – and followed by a third hybrid powered expedition cruise ship in 2021.
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Minimal footprint
GREENER CRUISING: MS Roald Amundsen, the world's first hybrid powered cruise ship. Photo: Hurtigruten
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With a maximum of just 500 guests, MS Roald Amundsen with Captain Kai at the helm, will take guests exploring areas such as Antarctica, the Arctic, Northwest passage and Alaska – with a minimal footprint and in areas bigger ships can’t even dream about reaching.
- The latest technology is offering many opportunities. Hurtigruten is setting a new standard for the whole cruise industry. I am really proud to be a part of Hurtigruten’s unparalleled sustainable operations. With the introduction of MS Roald Amundsen, we show the world what’s possible, Albrigtsen says.
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Extensive polar experience
Photo: MAXIMILIAN SCHWARZ/Hurtigruten
Throughout his career, Albrigtsen has a unique experience from a number of different positions on board more than 10 Hurtigruten vessels. His first expedition to Antarctica was in 2003, rose to the rank of captain in 2006.
A sworn outdoor enthusiast, Albrigtsen often spends his time off fishing or hiking with his family in spectacular nature in Norway’s Vesterålen or Lofoten islands.
For the past two years, he has held the position of master on the Hurtigruten expedition cruise ship MS Midnatsol.
- Through my 37 years in Hurtigruten, I have faced challenges and gained unique experiences. But most of all, working for Hurtigruten is an adventure where I have been looking forward to every day – in every position I have held. No two days at “the office” is the same, Albrigtsen says.
Topics
Hurtigruten - World leader in exploration travel
Building on 125 years of Norwegian pioneering heritage, Hurtigruten is today the world's largest expedition cruise company.
Hurtigruten’s rapidly growing fleet of custom-build 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 a great responsibility. Hurtigruten is enhancing destinations and runs an responsible, sustainable global operation.
Hurtigruten is introducing the world’s first hybrid battery powered cruise ships, the MS Roald Amundsen and the MS Fridtjof Nansen. A third hybrid powered expedition vessel will be added to the fleet in 2021.
