First Hurtigruten Ship Gets Battery-Hybrid Power

Hurtigruten Norway has launched its first ecologically upgraded battery-hybrid powered ship as part of a €100 million seven-vessel renovation programme aiming at drastically decreasing CO2 and NOx emissions.

MS Richard With has been extensively upgraded, with two big battery packs (1,120kWh each) and new, more efficient Norwegian-made engines and propulsion systems installed at Myklebust Yard in north-western Norway. New switchboards and power management systems were also installed, as well as new propeller blades, a bulbous bow, gears, and control systems; new navigational and manoeuvring bridge systems; new boilers that improve heat recovery from the main engines for heating; a retractable azimuth thruster astern; and cutting-edge wastewater treatment plants.

Before the end of summer 2023, all seven of Hurtigruten Norway’s Coastal Express ships will be fitted with SCR systems that will reduce NOx emissions by 80%. The company also said it would employ certified biofuels to reduce CO2 emissions.

“MS Richard is now fully operational as a completely-upgraded ship, allowing visitors to sail the Norwegian coast on a quieter, state-of-the-art, and environmentally-friendly ship while enjoying a classic experience unlike anything else in the world. Over the coming year, all seven of our Coastal Express ships will be upgraded to be more environmentally friendly, “Hedda Felin, CEO of Hurtigruten Norway, said

Hurtigruten Expeditions, its sibling firm, introduced the battery-hybrid expedition ship MS Roald Amundsen in 2019. The adventurous cruise line currently has three vessels powered by battery hybrids in its fleet.

“To become a green firm, you must engage in activities with measurable results, such as the ones we are now undertaking. Consequently, by next summer, three improved hybrid ships will be cruising the coast. Our entire fleet will be more energy efficient, reducing CO2 emissions by 25% and NOx emissions by 80%, “Felin said.

“This is one of Europe’s greatest environmental enhancements and the largest in Hurtigruten’s history,” Felin added. “Our objective is to achieve zero emissions, and development on the next generation of zero-emission vessels has already begun. We are spending extensively on giving our existing fleet a green update using today’s finest technology until that technology is pioneered. Still, our goal is to have the first emission-free ship in our fleet by 2030, and we are working hard to achieve that.”

Source: Hurtigruten