Hybrid Hurtigruten

Cruise lines have been in the press a lot recently for the effect they have on the environment and in particular their carbon foot print. Hurtigruten have decided to take the lead and build the worlds first expeditionary ships with true hybrid propulsion. This they say will reduce fuel consumption by 20%

The hybrid solution is developed by Rolls Royce. Bellona, a non-profit organisation working to meet and fight climate challenges, have been central in the project and feel that this is a milestone event. The new hybrid technology will make sailing with electric propulsion for 15-30 minutes a reality. Whilst this doesn’t sound long it will reduce CO2 emissions by 20% which amounts to more than 3000 metric tons of CO2 per year.

The new ships, represent the largest singular investments in the history of Hurtigruten, they are being constructed at Kleven Yards in Norway and the two currently under construction will hold 530 passengers. There is talk of  2 further ships.

The hybrid ships are to be constructed in two phases. The first ship is equipped with an auxiliary electric engine, that will reduce the CO2 emissions by 20 percent. Ship number two is to be built with a fully-fledged hybrid engine that can power the entire ship for longer periods of time and distances, into fjords and most importantly in vulnerable areas. The new engines will also enhance the passenger experience with noise reduction – just imagine sailing into the Fjords in silence.

I think this is a great move for the cruise industry – I confess to not fully understanding all the technical specs but I do know that the current ships on the seas are not environmentally friendly and that anything that can be done to change the way ships are powered can only be for the good.