The world’s first hybrid cruise ships

Tourism is an essential part of many local and national economies, as well as an enriching experience for the individual. But growing numbers of tourists worldwide bring with them increased climate impact and strain on local ecosystems.

To uphold a responsible tourism industry, electrification of sea and road transport will be one of several essential measures. Demonstrating successful electrification on a large scale could also pave the way for low-emission transport alternatives more broadly – especially within shipping.

Hurtigruten launched the MS Roald Amundsen in 2019, the first of a series of hybrid-battery powered expedition cruise ships. A sister ship, MS Fridtjof Nansen, was launched in 2020. A third ship is planned for 2021.

Hurtigruten’s ground-breaking ships employ the same hybrid technology, which – combined with increased fuel efficiency and other green technology – will reduce fuel consumption and carbon emissions by more than 20 per cent. The powerful battery packs will allow the vessels to operate entirely emission-free during short periods of time, with room set aside to expand battery capacity and add new technology.

On top of the hybrid technology, the ships are designed to let guests travel as sustainably as possible to some of the world’s most spectacular destinations, such as Antarctica, South America, the Caribbean, Greenland, Svalbard and the Norwegian coast. They feature no single-use plastic, improved waste management and recycling, and custom-built expedition equipment, including a fleet of Blueye underwater drones.

The MS Roald Amundsen and MS Fridtjof Nansen demonstrate that it is possible significantly reduce fuel costs and emissions in cruise, shipping and coastal transport. Their successful implementation could help to push cruise operators and transport companies worldwide to adopt low-emission technology.

The partly electric-powered voyages will moreover enhance the way guests experience nature. The vessels are specially constructed for operating in Arctic waters and will allows guests from all over the world to visit some of the world’s most spectacular destinations in an environmentally responsible manner.

The global shipping industry has begun its move towards silent and emission-free transport. The MS Roald Amundsen and MS Fridtjof Nansen show that hybrid technology can be implemented commercially in large vessels operating in harsh natural environments.

Hurtigruten has operated in polar waters since 1893 and is today the world’s largest expedition cruise line. By 2020, the company’s growing fleet of 17 ships will visit 250 destinations in over 30 countries. In addition, Hurtigruten has operated the original year-round coastal service in Norway, with daily departures to 34 ports between Bergen and Kirkenes.