Hurtigruten Hybrid Ship Heads to Antarctica
The world's first hybrid electric-powered expedition ship is taking travelers to the southern realms
As the southern pole succumbs to a crowding of cruise companies and the vagaries of climate change, one expedition line is addressing these matters by cutting carbon emissions
The world’s first hybrid electric-powered expedition ship and newest member of the Hurtigruten fleet, MS Roald Amundsen, was christened in Chiriguano Bay on Brabant Island, Antarctica with a traditional smashing ice against the bow of the ship.
“We could not think of a better location than Antarctica to name MS Roald Amundsen,” said Daniel Skjeldam, chief executive officer of Hurtigruten. “I believe Roald Amundsen would be proud. With the ship carrying his name and legacy, Hurtigruten is redefining boundaries, challenging the industry, and continuing to push toward greener and more sustainable operations. As Roald Amundsen was the symbol of a new era of exploration, this ship is the symbol of a new era in the cruise industry.”
Hurtigruten, the world’s largest and leading expedition cruise line, specially designed MS Roald Amundsen for exploring some of the most spectacular waters in the world. Equipped with groundbreaking green technology, MS Roald Amundsen uses large battery packs to support her low-emission engines, reducing CO2 emissions by more than 20 percent.
MS Roald Amundsen made history this summer as the first cruise ship to sail on battery power, and became the first hybrid electric-powered ship to traverse the legendary Northwest Passage. After completing the 2019-20 Antarctica season, she will spend the 2020 summer season in Alaska. A second hybrid electric-powered expedition ship, MS Fridtjof Nansen, will join the fleet in 2020.
