Spotlight on the Nordics

A major cruise ship refurbishment and dry docking as an important tool for reducing emissions and improving vessel efficiency.

The Midnatsol undocking at Orskov Yard

When Hurtigruten’s passenger vessel Midnatsol underwent a major upgrade at Orskov Yard in Denmark in spring 2026, the project combined extensive technical repairs and upgrades with a complete interior refurbishment. Through detailed planning, prefabrication and close coordination, the complex upgrade was completed within a tight 50-day schedule.

A comprehensive cruise ship upgrade brings multiple disciplines together. Once Midnatsol entered Orskov Yard, months of preparation gave way to a tightly-coordinated schedule, with interior refurbishment and extensive repair work and improvements progressing in parallel throughout the vessel, which shows why planning matters as much as craftmanship.

In close collaboration with ship interior specialist Norisol, Orskov Yard refurbished 243 passenger cabins and redesigned restaurants, lounge and bar areas to create a more modern, comfortable and inviting passenger experience. At the same time, significant technical work was carried out, including the renewal of the propulsion shaft system, an extensive overhaul of thrusters, gearboxes and stabilisers, the installation of a new ballast water treatment system and steel and piping renewals.

Preparations start long before the vessel arrives

Over six months, Orskov Yard’s project team worked closely with Norisol and Hurtigruten to develop interior solutions and tailor the refurbishment scope to the project’s budget and requirements.

All areas were visualised, allowing the custom-designed furniture and interior elements to be prefabricated ahead of the vessel’s arrival. This significantly streamlined the installation process, reducing the amount of work required on board and making the most efficient use of the time in dry dock.

The long-standing partnership between Orskov Yard and Norisol has built trust and a shared understanding of how to approach complex projects, enabling the teams to respond quickly and flexibly when schedules are tight and requirements change along the way.

Capacity for complex projects

Located at the northern tip of Denmark, Orskov Yard specialises in ship repair, maintenance and conversions. Strategic investments in recent years, including the addition of a new and larger floating dock, have expanded the yard’s capacity and supported a substantial increase in activity.

Orskov Yard currently operates four docks – two floating docks and two dry docks – providing the flexibility to handle a wide range of projects across different vessel segments. With specialised workshops and a network of trusted local partners, the yard brings together multiple disciplines through a structured, project-led approach.

For a project such as Midnatsol, this means that extensive technical work, interior refurbishment and specialist activities can be coordinated within the same yard stay and around one overall project schedule.

Hurtigruten’s third Signature ship

For Hurtigruten, the project represents a significant investment in the vessel’s operational reliability, environmental performance, passenger comfort and long-term service life.

The upgrade also gave Midnatsol a new role in Hurtigruten’s fleet. In May 2026, it became the company’s third Signature ship, as Hurtigruten expanded its premium offering in response to growing demand for voyages along the Norwegian coast and into the Arctic.

For a vessel built in 2003, the transformation illustrates how a carefully-planned upgrade can do more than extend service life: it can prepare an existing ship for a new commercial role and a new experience for the passengers.

 Spotlight on lower emissions and more efficient vessels

Dry docking is no longer just a matter of maintenance. For Stena Line, it has become one of the most important tools for reducing emissions and improving vessel efficiency. Each docking is an opportunity to lower fuel consumption and take concrete steps toward the group’s targets to reduce CO₂ emissions. Stena Line’s target is to reduce its carbon dioxide emissions by 30% by 2030, compared with 2019 levels.

“There is no single solution that delivers 30% immediately,” says Hans Corneliusson, Group Head of Fleet Support at Stena Line. “We need to work with many different measures in parallel and continuously calculate the benefits.”

A technical and commercial puzzle

Passenger and RoPax vessels are normally dry-docked twice during a five-year period. The larger dockings (special surveys) are extensive and governed by classification rules. During these, the hull, valves, propeller shafts and anchor chains, among other components, are inspected. At the same time, Stena Line takes the opportunity to carry out its own improvement measures while the vessel is out of service.

“When the vessel is out of operation, we have full access,” explains Corneliusson. “That allows us to carry out work that would otherwise be impossible, both below the waterline and in engine rooms and systems.”

Planning is complex. Dockings must be coordinated with timetables, replacement vessels, shipyard capacity and technical dependencies. Between December 2025 and April 2026, 15 of Stena Line’s total of 40 vessels have been in dry dock.

Major gains below the waterline

One of the most effective measures takes place where it cannot be seen – beneath the water surface. By blasting the hull completely clean of old paint, a smooth surface is created that reduces friction. “Blasting and repainting with a conventional coating alone can reduce fuel consumption by up to 2% per vessel,” says Corneliusson.

After blasting, a silicone-based hull coating is often applied, further reducing resistance. This can provide savings of up to about 3-3.5% and also reduce the need for maintenance between dockings.

Propeller adaptions

Further efficiency gains are achieved through the propellers. Many older vessels were built for higher speeds than they operate at today. By adapting the propeller blades to current operating conditions, efficiency is improved.

“On vessels where we only replace the propeller blades, we see up to a 2% reduction in fuel consumption,” says Corneliusson. “That is significant, from both a climate and financial perspective.”

In addition, continuous technical improvements are carried out in the engine room and onboard systems during and between dockings.

Further efficiency gains are achieved through the propellers

Innovation driving development

In addition to established measures, Stena Line is working to test new technologies during dockings. These include new rudder solutions and air lubrication, where small air bubbles along the hull further reduce friction in the water.

Each measure is carefully evaluated, including financially. The payback period averages between one and a half and two years, sometimes shorter when fuel prices are high.

A strategic tool

By combining necessary maintenance with technical improvements, dry docking has become a strategic tool in Stena Line’s transition. Each docking contributes to lower emissions, reduced fuel costs and a more energy-efficient fleet – step by step toward the 2030 target.

Read more of this article in the latest issue of DryDock magazine.