Making Waves: First Ever Cruise Ship Sails on Battery Power

Seattle, WA (July 1, 2019) – Hurtigruten, the world leader in exploration travel, is proud to share the first images of the world’s first hybrid electric–powered expedition ship, MS Roald Amundsen. Designed for some of the most spectacular waters on the planet, MS Roald Amundsen features groundbreaking green technology, such as the large battery packs which were put to the test as she left Kleven Yard for her maiden voyage.

“This opens a new chapter in maritime history. MS Roald Amundsen is the first cruise ship equipped with batteries, something deemed impossible just a few years back. With the introduction of MS Roald Amundsen, Hurtigruten sets a new standard not only for cruising, but for the entire shipping industry to follow,” Hurtigruten CEO Daniel Skjeldam says.

Named after polar hero Roald Amundsen, who led the first expedition to navigate the Northwest Passage, the first expedition to the South Pole, and the first expedition proven to have reached the North Pole, MS Roald Amundsen is set to honor his legacy.

Starting this summer, the hybrid electric–powered cruise ship will explore some of the most spectacular areas of the planet using battery packs to support her low-emission engines. The hybrid propulsion will reduce CO₂ emissions by more than 20%, compared to other ships of the same size.

MS Roald Amundsen’s features include a high-tech Science Center, three restaurants, Explorer Lounge, observation decks, gym and Wellness Center, sauna with panoramic window, infinity pool, two hot tubs, aft-facing suites with private outdoor hot tubs, and the laidback atmosphere that creates the special Hurtigruten onboard feel. Visit Hurtigruten’s Digital Showroom for a deeper look at the highlights and other features of the ship.

“MS Roald Amundsen was designed and built with sustainability at the core of every little detail. In addition to green technology, she is the first cruise ship in the world designed to be single-use plastic free. Sustainability will also be an integral part of the guest experience: From the hand-picked  Expedition Team who will share their knowledge of sustainable practices in the regions visited to the industry-first Science Center where our team will gather for lectures and workshops, we will give our  guests a deeper understanding of the areas we explore,” Skjeldam says.

Hurtigruten took delivery of the world’s first hybrid electric–powered expedition cruise ship from Norway’s Kleven yard last week. She has been built alongside sister ship MS Fridtjof Nansen, debuting in 2020.

“In the world of ship building, some projects stand out—this is one of them. MS Roald Amundsen is not only one of the most advanced expedition cruise ships in the world, she is also a premium ship with a number of groundbreaking solutions. We are extremely proud of the build, which is the result of a tremendous team effort of the Kleven employees and our sub-contractors,” Kleven project manager Asbjørn Vattøy says.

Highly experienced Hurtigruten captain Kai Albrigtsen was at the helm as MS Roald Amundsen left the yard for her maiden voyage along the Norwegian coast.

“To captain a new ship and bring her from the shipyard is always an honor. With MS Roald Amundsen being a green pioneer, this moment is truly special to me and the rest of the crew. I am extremely impressed with the ship, the technology, and how she handles. We are all really looking forward to welcoming the first guests on board and creating life-long memories together,” Albrigtsen says.

MS Roald Amundsen’s maiden season includes expedition cruises along the Norwegian coast, and to Svalbard and Greenland, before becoming the first hybrid electric–powered ship to attempt a traverse of the legendary Northwest Passage, following in the wake of namesake explorer Roald Amundsen’s famed expedition.

In addition to eco-friendly expedition cruises along the west coast of North and South America, with destinations larger cruise ships cannot reach, MS Roald Amundsen will head to the extreme south for the full 2019/2020 Antarctica season, beginning in October. 

MS Roald Amundsen Facts:

• Large battery packs and groundbreaking green technology
• Built: Kleven Yards, Norway, 2019
• Gross tonnage: 20,889
• Length: 459 ft
• Breadth: 8 ft
• Draft: 17 ft
• Guests: 530
• Cabins: 265
• Crew: 151
• Cruising speed: 15 knots
• Flag: Norwegian
• Ice class: PC-6

Onboard facilities include:

• Fully equipped Science Center
• Observation decks
• Infinity pool
• Panoramic sauna
• Gym and Wellness Center
• Three restaurants and bars
• Explorer Lounge
• 50% of cabins with private balconies

 

For more information, please contact:

Holly Winter
Hill+Knowlton Strategies
+1 305 443 5454
[email protected]

###

About Hurtigruten

Hurtigruten is the world leader in exploration travel. As the largest cruise operator in polar waters, and with 126 years of know-how, we offer immersive experiences to some of the world’s most pristine and remote destinations, including Antarctica, Alaska, Arctic Canada and the Northwest Passage, Greenland, Iceland, Norway, Svalbard, and more. Hurtigruten’s fleet consists of 14 expedition ships, custom built for adventure travel. In addition, three new groundbreaking ships will be delivered: MS Roald Amundsen in 2019, MS Fridtjof Nansen in 2020, and a third new build in 2021. These will be the most advanced and environmentally friendly expedition vessels at sea, as well as the world’s first hybrid electric-powered cruise ships. Hurtigruten is an industry leader in sustainability, with a deep commitment to improving the marine environments we call home.