By
Alex Smith |
Hurtigruten’s second hybrid battery powered expedition cruise ship Fridtjof Nansen has successfully completed sea trials in the Norwegian fjords and is now set for delivery ahead of schedule.
Fridtjof Nansen’s technology, including her battery packs, were tested over a week in trials off the west coast of Norway. She is now undergoing the final stages of her outfitting at the Kleven shipyard.
“We are extremely satisfied with the results of the sea trials,” said Kjetil Bollestad, CEO of Kleven. “In fact, she performed so well that we concluded the tests a full day early. Building on the experience we got from Roald Amundsen, we are confident in delivering one of the most advanced vessels in the world by end of the year.”
Given the rapid progress of the construction, Fridtjof Nansen is set to be completed by the end of 2019, ahead of her planned inaugural cruise from Hamburg, Germany to the Norwegian coast on 1 April 2020. As a result, Hurtigruten has added several shorter pre-inaugural cruises to the ship’s schedule.
The vessel will sail a series of five-night cruises around the British Isles, departing from London on 7 March, Liverpool on 12 March and Portsmouth on 17 March. She will then embark on a four-night voyage to Oslo, Norway from London on 23 March, before sailing to Hamburg on 28 March.
“Pre-inaugural voyages are normally offered to specially invited guests only,” said Daniel Skjeldam, CEO of Hurtigruten. “We want to share the special occasion and give more explorers the opportunity for a first-hand experience of the incredible Fridtjof Nansen and our unique expedition cruises.”
Fridtjof Nansen will be the cruise line’s second hybrid expedition ship, following the debut of Roald Amundsen in November.