Hurtigruten names their ground-breaking hybrid powered expedition ships
Hurtigruten has named its two new hybrid powered expedition ships at Kleven Yards. The first two ships have been named “Roald Amundsen” and “Fridtjof Nansen” after the two most influential Norwegian polar pioneers from the era when the company itself first started offering adventure travels.
The ships are due to be delivered in 2018 and 2019.
“On December 14th, it will be exactly 105 years since Roald Amundsen became the first person in the world to plant his flag on the South Pole,” notes Daniel Skjeldam, CEO, Hurtigruten. “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. So 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.
State-of-the-art Scandinavian design
With “Roald Amundsen” and “Fridtjof Nansen”, Hurtigruten also sets a new standard with respect to interior design and on-board customer experience. The interior will mirror the exterior waters and landscapes. Materials will be predominantly Norwegian and be inspired by nature with the innovative use of granite, oak, birch, wool, among other materials. All of which will be characterized by an innovative Scandinavian approach to interior design.
The ships will have large observation platforms on several decks for guests to get up-close to nature and wildlife. Six out of ten cabins will have their own balcony; two out of ten will be suites.
The vessels will have three restaurants with menus reflecting local flavours and destinations. A special pool deck will include infinity pools, Jacuzzis and bars.
“These ground-breaking expedition ships will revolutionize adventure travel at sea,” adds Skeldjam. “We are combining Hurtigruten’s 120-years of know-how with cutting-edge technology and design, and a strong commitment to sustainability, to offer the modern-day adventure traveller unprecedented experiences.”
Sustainable and soundless sailings
The new Hurtigruten exploration ships “Roald Amundsen” and “Fridtjof Nansen” will showcase the very latest in innovative environmentally friendly technology. New hybrid technology will make sailing with electric propulsion for 15-30 minutes a reality and substantially longer for ships to come. However, the total reduction in fuel consumption and hence CO2-emissions, is the main gain. The technology, in combination with the construction of the hull and effective use of electricity on board, will reduce emissions from the ships by 20 percent.
More about ships Roald Amundsen and Fridtjof Nansen and Hurtigruten
· The new ships are named after legends of polar exploration, Roald Amundsen and Fridtjof Nansen
· Characterised by pioneering Scandinavian design
· The world’s first expeditionary ships sailing fully electric with sustainable hybrid technology
· 2018 and 2019 itineraries for “Roald Amundsen” – Hurtigruten’s first next-generation expedition ship will be announced in November.
· 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.
