Norwegian operator looks forward to a positive future with plastic ban and hybrid battery-powered vessels
By
Rebecca Gibson |
Norway-based exploration travel operator and expedition cruise company Hurtigruten marked its 125th anniversary on 2 July 2018.
Founded by Richard With, Hurtigruten began operations in 1893 by offering passenger services along Norway’s coast onboard a steamer named Vesteraalen. Today, the company has 14 purpose-built expedition vessels and two of the world’s first battery hybrid powered expedition ships on order – Roald Amundsen and Fridtjof Nansen. Together, these vessels take guests to more than 200 destinations in 30 countries.
“We continue to build on our 125 years of experience and heritage, and we continue to push the boundaries by introducing the world’s first hybrid powered expedition ships,” said Daniel Skjeldam, Hurtigruten CEO. “We strongly believe Hurtigruten is the perfect fit for the modern-day explorer, and we experience substantial growth across markets. The expansion we’ve seen so far, is just the beginning.”
To celebrate the anniversary, Hurtigruten hosted events in its ports, destinations, ships and offices, creating one large birthday party that extended for more than 11,000 nautical miles, from the US, to Hong Kong and all along Norway’s coast. In line with Hurtigruten’s ban on all single-use or unnecessary plastic onboard all of its ships, attendees at the parties used plates, cups and other items made from paper, biodegradable materials and other sustainable alternatives.
“Being world leader in exploration travel comes with a great responsibility for preserving the natural wonders on our itineraries,” said Skjeldam. “Plastic pollution is the single biggest threat to our oceans. What better way to tie together our past and future than celebrating our anniversary by removing all unnecessary single use plastic.”
Hurtigruten hopes its single-use plastic ban, new expedition ships and initiative to convert up to nine existing vessels to run on hybrid LNG battery power will enable it to set a ‘new standard’ for the future of adventure travel. The company is also advocating a ban on heavy fuel oil and stricter regulations in pristine destinations.
“We are committed to remain being the global leader in green adventure travel,” said Skjeldam. “Whether we are developing the Hurtigruten product, designing new ships or discussing new itineraries and destinations, sustainability is the core of every detail of the Hurtigruten operation.”