Through giant makeovers, three Hurtigruten vessels will be transformed to premium, hybrid powered expedition cruise ships.
Equipped with battery packs and other green technology, the three ships will operate year-round expedition cruises along the Norwegian coast from 2021 on yet to be disclosed itineraries.
This means Hurtigruten – which this summer introduced the world’s first hybrid powered cruise ship, MS Roald Amundsen – will add another three hybrid powered ships to what is already considered the greenest fleet of cruise ships in the world.
– With these new expedition cruise vessels, you will be able to explore Norway like never before, with all the comforts, facilities and expertise you need for creating a perfect adventure. Combined with groundbreaking green technology, these ships will truly stand out, Hurtigruten CEO Daniel Skjeldam says.
As they are transformed into full-fledged premium expedition cruise ships, the current MS Trollfjord, MS Finnmarken and MS Midnatsol, will be renamed MS Maud, MS Otto Sverdrup and MS Eirik Raude.
MS Otto Sverdrup will have battery packs installed during a 2020 yard stay, with a letter of intent for the same battery installation on MS Maud and MS Eirik Raude in 2021. The battery packs will support the ships engines, and drastically cut emissions.
The three ships will also be equipped for shore power, to cut emissions to zero when docked in ports with shore power facilities.
In addition, the three ships will get substantially upgraded low-emission engines, complying with all known and upcoming regulations (Tier3).
Through the three single largest upgrade projects in Hurtigruten’s more than 125 years of history, the ships will be transformed into premium expedition cruise ships, carrying a maximum of 530 guests.
The keep-to-mast upgrades will introduce several new features and venues on the ships. Some highlights include:
Using natural Scandinavian materials such as granite, oak, birch and wool, all public areas on MS Maud, MS Otto Sverdrup and MS Eirik Raude will be redesigned to create a relaxed and stylish look and feel, and add to the premium on-board experience.
A specially designed Expedition Launch – the tender pit area where guests embark on their on their excursions and off-ship adventures – will be added to all ships, complete with tender boats and other expedition equipment.
All cabins and suites will be completely refurbished, and new suites with spectacular views added to all three ships.
Hurtigruten’s signature Science Center will be added to the three ships. Packed with state-of-the-art technology and high-tech gadgets such as touch screens, science equipment and other interactive features, the edutainment area will also be the on-board HQ for the ship’s Expedition Team.