By
Rebecca Gibson |
Norway’s Kleven Verft shipyard has signed a memorandum of understanding to build a third hybrid-powered expedition cruise ship for Norwegian operator Hurtigruten.
Set to debut in the second quarter of 2021, the newbuild will be based on Hurtigruten’s first two hybrid expedition ships – Roald Amundsen and Fridtjof Nansen – which are currently under construction at Kleven. The 530-guest ship will have an ice-strengthened hull and advanced technologies that enable her to sail in extreme weather and sea conditions in remote regions of the world.
The newbuild will also have some innovative features, such as substantially larger battery packs.
“This groundbreaking vessel will take our guests to some of the most spectacular areas of our planet, in a more sustainable and environmentally friendly way than ever seen before,” said Daniel Skjeldam, Hurtigruten CEO. “These are greener, more advanced cruise ships than the world has ever seen – and ships that will raise standards for the whole industry to follow, as we enter a new era of expedition cruising driven by sustainability.”
The agreement is subject to certain contingencies and is expected to be finalised in the first quarter of 2019.
“We are grateful for the confidence Hurtigruten shows us by signing a memorandum of understanding for a third advanced expedition vessel with green technology that offers premium guest comfort,” said Olav Nakken, CEO of Kleven. “This is a confirmation of our unique skills and facilities.”