Polar explorer Karin Strand to name Roald Amundsen in Antarctica

Hurtigruten's vice president of expeditions will make history in the polar regions this November

Polar explorer Karin Strand to name Roald Amundsen in Antarctica
Karin Strand will officially christen Roald Amundsen in Antarctica (Image: Stefan Dall/Hurtigruten)

By Rebecca Gibson |


Karin Strand, who has completed more than 140 expeditions in Antarctica, has been chosen as godmother to the world’s first hybrid powered cruise ship, Hurtigruten’s Roald Amundsen.

Strand, who grew up in Jølster on Norway’s western coast, has explored both the north and south polar regions and currently serves as Hurtigruten’s vice president of expeditions. She will bless and name the ship during on 8 November during what will be the world’s first-ever ship christening in Antarctica.

“As the polar hero Roald Amundsen, our Roald Amundsen is something out of the ordinary and so should the godmother be,” said Daniel Skjeldam, CEO of Hurtigruten. “We wanted someone who in her own self represents our core values, the spirit of exploration and the share awesomeness of the ship. Karin is all that, and more. Her passion for exploration, the oceans and the communities we visit, combined with her never-ending will to innovate, makes her a true role model.”

During the naming ceremony, Strand will recreate the ritual the ship’s namesake – renowned polar explorer Roald Amundsen – invented when christening his own expedition ship, Maud, in 1917 by smashing a chunk of ice against her hull, rather than the traditional bottle of champagne.

“I am honoured to be named godmother to the most innovative ship to hit the waters in decades,” said Strand. “The green technology and innovative solutions serve as an inspiration for exploring our oceans in a more sustainable way.”

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