Sustainability
We aim to shape the future of travel and lead the way in making Norway the world's most sustainable travel destination.
Hurtigruten is committed to shaping the future of travel and supporting Norway’s ambition to become the world’s most sustainable destination.
While we recognise that true sustainability is an ongoing journey, we are taking concrete steps through ship development, fleet upgrades and waste reduction. By continuously improving and embracing innovation, we aim to set new standards for more responsible and environmentally conscious tourism.
Our sustainability credentials
Certified biofuels From carefully selected sources
Minimised energy use Through new propeller blades, new bulbous bows, new gears, and new control systems
Streamlined hulls That optimise inertia and reduce drag when sailing
Free from unnecessary single-use plastic With biodegradable or long-lasting, high-quality alternatives
Reducing waste while supporting local farmers We compost food waste from our fleet in Stamsund, providing fertiliser for Myklevik farm to grow fresh produce for our ships - reducing waste while supporting local farmers.
Shore-power connectivity That allows all ships to ‘plug in’ to electricity when docked in port, reducing emissions when shore power is available.
State-of-the-art wastewater treatment Systems to limit emissions to sea
Sea Zero
Today, we are embarking on our most ambitious sustainability project in our 130-year history. We aim to develop a ship that can operate with zero emissions in normal operations on the Norwegian coast by 2030.
In partnership with SINTEF, one of Europe's largest independent research organisations and several key maritime players from Norway, the Sea Zero initiative explores cutting-edge solutions in energy efficiency and battery electric power.
This initiative builds on our ongoing efforts to enhance sustainability, including a €100 million investment in ship upgrades to our existing fleet. By 2025, these upgrades aim to reduce CO₂ emissions by approximately 25% and NOₓ emissions by 80%, with four ships being converted to hybrid electric power.
The Sea Zero project is currently in the research and development phase, focusing on battery production, propulsion technology, hull design and sustainable practices to minimise energy use. The goal is to achieve a 50% energy reduction compared with current ships, paving the way to be operational by 2030.
Key upgrades to our fleet
We are in the process of undertaking one of Europe’s largest ship upgrade projects to make our fleet more sustainable. Our aim is to significantly reduce emissions and improve energy efficiency, by converting four ships to run on hybrid-electric power.
Emission Reductions
Targeting a 25% reduction in CO₂ emissions and 80% reduction in NOₓ emissions
Phasing in certified biofuels to lower environmental impact
Hybrid-Powered Ships
Upgrading three ships to hybrid-electric power for quieter and cleaner operations
Installing large battery packs and energy-efficient engines
Shore Power Connectivity
All ships now connect to shore power when docked, eliminating emissions in ports with shore power availability
Plastic-Free and Waste Reduction Measures
Eliminating unnecessary single-use plastics across the fleet
Implementing advanced waste management systems to reduce pollution
Energy Efficiency Improvements
Optimised hull design to reduce drag and improve fuel efficiency
Modernised wastewater treatment systems to minimise environmental impact
Towards Zero Food Waste
We are committed to minimising food waste through our "Towards Zero Food Waste" initiative, which emphasises a circular approach to food consumption and waste management.
This programme is part of our Norway's Coastal Kitchen concept, which focuses on the principles of Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle.
Reduce: Chefs prepare smaller portion sizes to minimise leftovers
Reuse: Leftover food is repurposed creatively in new dishes
Recycle: Unavoidable food waste is transformed into fertiliser
The recycling process involves collecting food waste on board and processing it in a compost reactor at the port of Stamsund. Within 24 hours, microbes convert the waste into nutrient-rich fertiliser, which is then used at Myklevik farm to cultivate fresh produce. This produce returns to our ships, completing the sustainable cycle.
We plan to expand this model to other regions in Norway, aiming to inspire broader adoption of sustainable practices and contribute to the preservation of the Norwegian coastline.
More information
Visit our ESG page for more detailed information on our environmental, social and governance initiatives, plus our long-term goals for responsible travel. This is where you can also read our latest ESG report.