Hurtigruten Norway makes a large-scale investment in batteries and biofuel – cuts emissions by 25%

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 result: CO2 emissions will be reduced by least 25%, and NOx emissions cut by 80%.

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

"The world’s most beautiful voyage just got even better. We are combining the best available technical solutions and cutting CO2 emissions along the Norwegian coast with 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," said Hurtigruten Norwegian Coastal Express CEO Hedda Felin.

Battery hybrid upgrades

Hurtigruten Norwegian Coastal Express CEO Hedda Felin.

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 the installation of new low-emission engines and large battery packs.

Across the seven ships, the upgrades will reduce CO2 emissions by 25%, and cut NOx emissions by a massive 80%.

"This is one of the largest environmental vessel upgrade projects that has been 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 President Egil Haugsdal of Kongsberg Maritime (KM) – which has been awarded the three-ship hybrid conversion contract.

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

New steps towards zero emissions 

Hurtigruten Group CEO Daniel Skjeldam.

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

"Our goal is to operate all our ships and all our 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 do drive change, move boundaries while we at the same time utilize the best solutions available already today," said Hurtigruten Group CEO Daniel Skjeldam.

To ensure the immediate effect of the green upgrade program already as Hurtigruten Norwegian Coastal Express returns all seven ships to operation this 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

The green upgrades of the Hurtigruten Norwegian Coastal Express ships are the latest in a series of large-scale investment in sustainability and green technology in Hurtigruten Group:

Hurtigruten Expeditions has launched the world’s first battery-hybrid-powered cruise ships, MS Roald Amundsen, and MS Fridtjof Nansen.

This spring, Hurtigruten Expeditions is transforming MS Finnmarken into the battery-hybrid powered expedition cruise ship MS Otto Sverdrup, with large battery packs and advanced green technology.

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.