- Hurtigruten to use hybrid propulsion
- Addition of two expedition ships will bring fleet to 6
- Plus 12 coastal vessels
Hurtigruten says its two new 530-passenger expedition cruise ships will operate using environmentally-friendly hybrid technology to reduce fuel consumption by 20pc.
The as-yet-unnamed Hurtigruten ships, launching in July 2018 and July 2019, are designed for the Arctic and Antarctic. The new technology has been developed by Rolls Royce and Bellona, a non-profit organisation that works to address climate challenges. Hurtigruten’s recent letter of intent for four new expedition ships in all the largest single investment in Hurtigruten’s 123-year history.
Hurtigruten CEO Daniel Skjeldam said: “The future of shipping is, without a doubt, silent and emission free. We will use our new expeditionary ships as groundbreakers for this new technology and show the world that hybrid propulsion on large ships is possible, today. To be able to sail using only electrical power is not only a great benefit for the environment, but it will also enhance the impact of experiencing nature for the guests. Picture sailing into a fjord silently without any form of emissions.”
