Hurtigruten Announces Captain of First Hybrid Expedition Ship

SEATTLE, WA - December 26, 2018 – Hurtigruten, the world’s largest expedition cruise operator, has officially named Kai Albrigtsen as captain of MS Roald Amundsen, a ship that will embark on her maiden voyage in 2019. On the bridge, Kai Albrigtsen will be the first captain of a hybrid electric-powered cruise ship and brings 37 years of sailing experience to the forefront. 

“It is a great honor and a big responsibility. Taking command over such a unique vessel is without a doubt the highlight of my career,” says Albrigtsen, a 54-year-old Norwegian.

Currently, MS Roald Amundsen is under construction in Norway’s Kleven Yard, alongside her sister ship, MS Fridtjof Nansen. The groundbreaking vessels, the industry’s first hybrid electric-powered cruise ships, will be delivered in 2019 and 2020, followed by a third hybrid electric-powered expedition cruise ship in 2021, expanding Hurtigruten’s growing fleet.

With capacity for just 500 guests, and with Captain Albrigtsen at the helm, MS Roald Amundsen will take guests to areas such as Antarctica, the Arctic, the Northwest Passage, and Alaska; remote areas that larger ships can’t reach, all while exploring with a minimal environmental footprint.

“The latest technology offers many opportunities, and Hurtigruten is setting a new standard for the entire cruise industry. I am really proud to be a part of Hurtigruten’s unparalleled sustainable operations. With the introduction of MS Roald Amundsen, we are showing the world what’s possible,” Albrigtsen adds.

Throughout his career, Albrigtsen has held a number of unique positions onboard more than 10 Hurtigruten vessels. His first expedition to Antarctica was in 2003 and he quickly rose to the rank of captain in 2006.

A sworn outdoor enthusiast, Albrigtsen often spends his time fishing or hiking with his family in Norway’s Vesterålen or Lofoten islands. For the past two years, he has held the position of Master on the Hurtigruten expedition cruise ship MS Midnatsol.

“Through my 37 years with Hurtigruten, I have faced challenges and gained unique experiences. But most of all, working for Hurtigruten is an adventure which I look forward to every day—in every position I have held. No two days at ‘the office’ are the same,” Albrigtsen says.

For more information, please contact:

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

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ABOUT HURTIGRUTEN

Hurtigruten is the world leader in exploration travel. As the largest cruise operator in polar waters, and with 125 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.