Hurtigruten Trio Due for Hybrid Power Upgrades
BATTERY POWERED: Hurtigruten is converting three more ships to become hybrid-powered. Photo: MAXIMILIAN SCHWARTZ/Hurtigruten
TOTAL UPGRADE: The three ships will receive a total makeover. This will be the new Explorer Lounge on MS Maud and MS Eirik Raude. Photo: HURTIGRUTEN
NEW CABINS: All cabins and suites will be renovated. This are the first sketches of the brand new corner-suites at the front of the top deck on board MS Maud and MS Eirik Raude. Photo: HURTIGRUTEN
WELLNESS: This will be the new wellness area on board MS Otto Sverdrup. PHOTO: HURTIGRUTEN
Three vessels lined up for large-scale makeovers will be transformed to hybrid powered expedition cruise ships, owner and operator Hurtigruten announced.
Equipped with battery packs and other green technology, the three ships will operate year-round expedition cruises along the Norwegian coast from 2021 on yet to be disclosed itineraries.
This means Hurtigruten – which this summer introduced hybrid powered cruise ship, MS Roald Amundsen – will add another three hybrid powered vessels to its fleet of cruise ships.
As they are transformed into full-fledged premium expedition cruise ships, the current MS Trollfjord, MS Finnmarken and MS Midnatsol, will be renamed MS Maud, MS Otto Sverdrup and MS Eirik Raude, Hurtigruten said.
MS Otto Sverdrup will have battery packs installed during a 2020 yard stay, with a letter of intent (LOI) for the same battery installation on MS Maud and MS Eirik Raude in 2021. The battery packs will support the ships engines, and drastically cut emissions.
In addition, the three ships will get substantially upgraded low-emission engines, complying with all known and upcoming regulations (Tier 3), and will also be equipped for shore power, to cut emissions to zero when docked in ports with shore power facilities.
"At Hurtigruten, the push for sustainable solutions and introduction of green technology is the core of everything we do. We operate in some of the most spectacular areas of the world. This comes with a responsibility," said Hurtigruten CEO, Daniel Skjeldam.
Through the three single largest upgrade projects in Hurtigruten’s more than 125 years of history, the ships will be transformed into premium expedition cruise ships, carrying a maximum of 530 guests.
The keep-to-mast upgrades will introduce several new features and venues on the ships, including three brand new restaurants.
MS Maud, MS Otto Sverdrup and MS Eirik Raude will be redesigned to create a relaxed and stylish look and feel, and add to the premium on-board experience. All cabins and suites will be completely refurbished, and new suites with spectacular views added to all three ships.
A specially designed Expedition Launch – the tender pit area where guests embark on their on their excursions and off-ship adventures – will be added to all ships, complete with tender boats and other expedition equipment.
Hurtigruten’s signature Science Center will be added to the three ships. Packed with state-of-the-art technology and high-tech gadgets such as touch screens, science equipment and other interactive features, the edutainment area will also be the on-board HQ for the ship’s Expedition Team.
A new wellness-area, complete with gym, lounge and treatment rooms, will be built. The pool area (MS Otto Sverdrup) and outdoor hot tub areas (MS Maud and MS Eirik Raude) will be fully upgraded.
