Says Hurtigruten Group CEO Daniel Skjeldam, “We’re incredibly excited to unveil our most significant sustainability initiative to date – building zero emission passenger ships, and our ambition is to sail our first emission-free Hurtigruten Norwegian Coastal Express ship by 2030.”
He adds, “Ever since the company was first founded back in 1893, the Norwegian Coastal Express route from has carried local passengers, goods, and tourists between Bergen to Kirkenes along the country’s stunning northern coastline. It’s also generally regarded as the one of the most beautiful voyages in world. So we think it’s the ideal route on which to roll out the first of our zero emission passenger ships and leverage Norway’s expertise in green shipping.”
Stopping at 34 stops ports along the route, Hurtigruten Norwegian Coastal Express also offers up unparalleled opportunities to incorporate innovative infrastructure that supports green energy, with several ports already planning to expand shore power connectivity. Added this, Norway’s thriving maritime industry and a strong national focus on research, not to mention its Government’s political willingness to support green shipping, all serve to further reinforce the suitability of the Norwegian coast for trialling this type of initiative.
But for those already familiar with Hurtigruten, the recent announcement should come as no surprise. A passionate commitment to sustainability has always lain at the heart of the company’s operations and it has been at the forefront of establishing industry practices and standards that directly address how cruise operators can operate with a lighter environmental impact.
Indeed, Hurtigruten aims to be a leader in sustainable travel. It is currently in the process of overhauling its existing fleet in what is slated to be one of the biggest upgrade programs ever in European shipping – and one which will see CO2-emissions cut by 25% and NOx by 80%. However, it’s showing no signs of resting on its laurels, with Hurtigruten Norway CEO Hedda Felin making it clear that the overarching goal is zero emissions. “Our ultimate plan over the next decade ears is to be fully carbon emissions neutral, and we’re actively encouraging other cruise ship companies to follow suit.”
She adds, “We’ve definitely built our last fossil fueled ship for the Norwegian Coastal Express. When we sail the coastal route for the next 100 years, it will be on emission-free ships, making the world’s most beautiful voyage even more spectacular”.
Hurtigruten has also landed the perfect project partner in Norwegian research institute, SINTEF. One of Europe’s largest independent research organizations, it is well-renowned as one of the leading pioneers in developing green maritime technology and energy systems.
Says SINTEF President, Alexandra Bech Gjørv, “With this project, Hurtigruten Norway and SINTEF can show the world that green and sustainable passenger ships can be achieved in the near future. Cutting emissions in the maritime sector is by no means an easy feat, and we need ambitious companies like Hurtigruten Norway to undertake initiatives like this. “
Focusing on every aspect from design, propulsion, energy and fuel to hotel operations and digital solutions, the goal of the build program is to deliver new ships that will operate emission-free to both air and sea, and which are sustainable from a circular economy perspective. As a partner, SINTEF will provide analysis, research and development.
“The first phase of the project – a feasibility study looking at technological and operational solutions for zero emission Hurtigruten Coastal Express ships on the Norwegian coast, has already kicked-off,” say SINTEF Ocean Market Director, Trond Johnsen. In the next phase, leading maritime industry partners will be invited to participate in the project and contribute towards the development and implementation of innovative green ship designs and technologies.
“Zero-emission fuels and power systems is an obvious focus area for the project,” says Johnsen, while acknowledging that availability, production cost and energy density of fossil fuels will require massive cuts in energy usage as well, making energy-efficiency the probable main challenge. However, it’s one that Hurtigruten Norway CEO Hedda Felin believes is worth tackling.
“We’re proud to partner with SINTEF Ocean to pioneer the new solutions needed. In order to transform high ambitions into actual results, coupling our knowledge of the coast with SINTEF’s expertise is a key factor,” she says.
