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21 April, 2022

Hurtigruten partners with Norwegian org on world’s first zero-emission ships

By Alexandra Coulton

Hurtigruten has partnered with Norwegian-based research organization SINTEF to create the world’s first zero-emission ships.

Hurtigruten Group CEO Daniel Skjeldam said the line is aiming to sail its first zero-emission Hurtigruten Norwegian Coastal Express ship by 2030.

“Ever since the company was first founded back in 1893, the Norwegian Coastal Express route has carried local passengers, goods, and tourists between Bergen to Kirkenes along the country’s stunning northern coastline,” Skjeldam said.

“It’s also generally regarded as one of the most beautiful voyages in the 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 ports along the route, Hurtigruten’s 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 to this, Norway has a thriving maritime industry and a strong national focus on research, not to mention its government’s focus on supporting green shipping.

Hurtigruten 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 per cent and NOx by 80 per cent.

According to Hurtigruten Norway CEO Hedda Felin, the line’s ultimate goal is zero emissions over the next decade and to be fully carbon emissions neutral. Felin is now encouraging other cruise ship companies to follow suit.

“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,” she said.

SINTEF is 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.

The project will show the world that green and sustainable passenger ships can be achieved in the near future, according to SINTEF president, Alexandra Bech Gjørv.

“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,” Gjørv said.

Focusing on every aspect from design, propulsion, energy and fuel to hotel operations and digital solutions, the goal of the project is to deliver new ships that will operate emission-free to both air and sea, and which are sustainable from a circular economy perspective.

The first phase of the project, which has already begun, is a feasibility study looking at technological and operational solutions for the zero emission ships on the Norwegian coast.

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.

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Daniel Skjeldam Hedda Felin hurtigruten Norwegian Coastal Express SINTEF zero-emission ships