HURTIGRUTEN claims with its new ships to revolutionise adventure travel at sea

The new HURTIGRUTEN adventure ships are Hybrid powered and will revlotionise travel at sea.

by Earl of Cruise

The Norwegian exploration and coastal cruise line HURTIGRUTEN recently placed the order at KLEVEN YARDS, Norway. The new explorer vessels will be delivered in 2018 and 2019. Now their names have been given to the public - ROALD AMUNDSEN and FRIDTJOF NANSEN. The option for a third and fourth vessel has been anewed. HURTIGRUTEN (GER / EN) is a leading player within the field of explorer tourism.

mv ROALD AMUDSEN and mv FRIDTJOF NANSEN - courtesy HURTIGRUTEN

HURTIGRUTEN´s CEO Daniel Skjeldam explained:

"These ground-breaking expedition ships will revolutionise adventure travel at sea. We are combining Hurtigruten’s more than 120-years know-how with cutting-edge technology and design, and a strong commitment to sustainability, to offer the modern-day adventure traveller unprecedented experiences."

Refering to the more than 120-years of know-how of HURTIGRUTEN, sailing in "strange" polar waters, and the outstanding explorers, Skjeldam said:

"December 14th, it is exactly 105 years since Roald Amundsen became the first person in the world to plant his flag on the South Pole; it has been 128 years since Fridtjof Nansen skied across Greenland; and it is 120 years since Richard With, Hurtigruten’s founder, first started exploration tourism in the Arctic. What could be more natural and appropriate than to name our new ships after these inspiring trailblazers."

The new ships are designed by Rolls-Royce, in collaboration with the recognised Norwegian yacht designer Espen Øino. Øino is guaranteeing State-of-the-art Scandinavian design. Further ROLLS-ROYCE will deliver propulsion technology, worth about £25 million.

Helge Gjerde, Director of Offshore and Merchant Solutions, ROLLS-ROYCE, said:

"Hurtigruten and Kleven have agreed to build state-of the art passenger vessels, and Rolls-Royce will provide some of the most innovate ship technology on the market today. I’m confident that these new polar cruise vessels will bring the proud heritage of the Hurtigruten into a similarly proud future."

The new HURTIGRUTEN exploration vessels ROALD AMUNDSEN and FRIDTJOF NANSEN implement the very latest in innovative environmentally friendly technology. The new hybrid technology will make sailing with electric propulsion for 15-30 minutes a reality and substantially longer for ships to come. This depending on the development in battery technology - same for cars, TESLA. However, the total reduction in fuel consumption and CO2-emissions, is the main gain. The propulsion technology, in combination with the construction of the hull and effective use of electricity on board, will reduce emissions, and with htat the carbon foot print, from the ships by aproximately 20 percent.

Skjeldam said:

"Being able to sail employing solely electric propulsion is of great benefit for the environment – and also of our guests as it enhances the impact of experiencing nature. Imaging sailing perfectly silently along the ice edge in the Arctic or Antarctica, or along the banks of the Amazon. That is truly unique and exceptional."

With ROALD AMUNDSEN and FRIDTJOF NANSEN, HURTIGRUTEN also sets a new standard with respect to interior design and on-board customer experience. The aura of the period of the great exploration expeditions is to be recreated within the framework of modernity, and prime quality and comfort.

The interior will mirror the breath-taking waters and landscapes in which the expedition ships will sail. It will be premium quality and stylish, yet unpretentious. Materials will be predominantly Norwegian and be inspired by nature, and guests will relish the distinguished environment created by the innovative use of granite, oak and birch, and wool, amongst other materials. All of which will be characterized by an innovative Scandinavian approach to interior design.

Skjeldam said:

"We don’t take guests cruising, we take them exploring. A suitable on-board environment and atmosphere is essential to broaden and deepen the immersive experience of nature a Hurtigruten exploration experience constitutes."

mv ROALD AMUDSEN and mv FRIDTJOF NANSEN - courtesy HURTIGRUTEN

mv ROALD AMUNDSEN and mv FRIDTJOF NANSEN

- First of Hurtigruten’s new class of specially constructed exploration ships for voyages in polar waters.

- Designed by Rolls Royce and are constructed by Kleven Yards.

- Strengthened hulls for traversing ice

- The ships will feature innovative Scandinavian designs, large observation platforms, infinity pools, and

    several other yet to be disclosed expedition features.

- Number of passengers: 530

- Number of cabins: 265

- Dimensions (exterior): Length 140 meters, width 23,6 meters, height 29 meters

- Depth: 5,3 meters

- Adapted also for the service route along the Norwegian coast

More information about the hybrid technology

- Makes fully electric propulsion an option for shorter periods of time

- New battery technology contributes to a significant reduction of CO2 from ships

- New solutions will contribute to a 20 percent reduction of fuel consumption. In total, the two new ships will

    have a reduced CO2 emission of 6400 metric tons per year compared to traditional ships. In perspective, this

    is the same amount of yearly emissions created by 5540 new cars.

Reference: hurtigruten.com

Skjeldam said:

"The ships soon about to take shape in the docks of Kleven will be striking. They will attract interest to both the Norwegian ship building industry and to Hurtigruten as a leading player within the field of explorer tourism. To me, this contract is proof of the combined innovation powers of Norway’s maritime industry and the country’s growing tourism industry. Together we are providing growth along the long and beautiful Norwegian coastline."

HURTIGRUTEN definitely is offering exceptionel experiences on board, and wonderful destinations, not only the Norwegian coast, where the roots of HURTIGRUTEN are, but the amount of 530 passengers on board these small vessels, makes me shudder to be cramped ... For the prices of HURTIGRUTEN cruises, expeditions and voyages, they must offer really something exceptionel. But on the other hand, HURTIGRUTEN is too one of these cruise operators who sell its cruises with bargains.

Aurea Borealis, green, blue, lila and yellow - photo, © Jan R. Olsen

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