For over 130 years, Hurtigruten has sailed the fjords of the Norwegian coast. For future generations, Hurtigruten is now taking major steps to protect the environment.
HURTIGRUTEN
Towards a more sustainable future
Sea Zero – an emission-free future
In 2023, Hurtigruten celebrated 130 years of sailing what has frequently been called "the world's most beautiful coastline". To carry on its proud legacy into the future, the Coastal Express is now working on its most ambitious sustainability initiative ever: to develop zero-emission ships tailored to the Norwegian coast, with the first ship ready to sail by 2030. It is one of the largest environmental ever ship upgrades in Europe. The goal of the project, called Sea Zero, is to make emission-free travel, without any noise or any pollution, a reality.
"Until that technology has been pioneered, we are investing heavily in giving our existing fleet a green upgrade with the best technology available today," CEO of Hurtigruten Norway Hedda Felin told the media.
Sea Zero visual concept visualization, sails extended. Credit: VARD Design.
“We are developing the concept for a very innovative cruise design and researching to find the optimal design methods suitable for zero-emission ships. The streamlined shape, with its innovative hull and propulsion solutions, not only reduces energy demand but also increases passenger comfort. In the process, we are developing new design tools and exploring new technologies for energy efficiency,” says Henrik Burvang, Research and Innovation Manager at VARD, the design and shipbuilding company behind the concept visuals.
A more sustainable fleet
Around 100 million euro will be invested in green upgrades for Hurtigruten's existing fleet of seven ships, including retrofitting three vessels to use hybrid-power. By 2024, these changes will have cut CO2 emissions by an impressive 25 percent and NOx emissions by as much as 80 percent.
The new hybrid technology on these three ships means guests can sail the Original Norwegian Coastal Express on quieter, more environmentally friendly, state-of-the-art ships.
While hybrid-power allows ships to switch to electric batteries and be emission-free for a few hours, Sea Zero will go further and allow the ships to be fully emission-free.
Hurtigruten Group stopped using heavy fuel oil more than a decade ago and was the first expedition cruise company to ban non-essential single-use plastic throughout its entire operation. It is now aiming to set new standards for the entire travel industry, offering authentic local experiences while leaving a minimal footprint and a positive impact.
Supporting local communities
The Norwegian coastline is a maze of mountains, criss-crossed by thousands of fjords, and dotted with innumerable islands. While this landscape makes for exceptionally beautiful scenery, it also means travelling by land can be difficult, especially the further north in the Arctic you go. As an example, out of the 34 ports Hurtigruten call at, only three link to the train network.
This is where the Hurtigruten Coastal Express shines, braving all kinds of weather in all seasons – wind, rain, snow, and storms – to act as a lifeline and very important means of transport for the people and businesses in coastal communities.
Thanks to the Coastal Express, places along almost the entire length of the coast are better connected, allowing both people to be transported and cargo to be shipped on a regular basis.
Meeting locals
Due to its role as a local lifeline, the Coastal Express is not just an ordinary cruise – it also brings passengers into close contact with local communities. Maybe you’ll get chatting to a local entrepreneur travelling for business, or see multi-generational families on a short holiday, or hear the excited chatter of children on a school trip. Don’t be surprised if you see whole local football teams travelling on their way to matches.
When the ship is in port, you can also join local guided tours scheduled to fit Hurtigruten's sailing plan. These tours offer you a way to experience life on shore in a much more authentic way.
Two new cruises
In 2023, Hurtigruten introduced two new routes: The North Cape Express and The Svalbard Express. For the first time in history, you can now sail the entire Norwegian coast from Oslo to the North Cape with The North Cape Express. On the return journey back south, the voyage terminates in Bergen.
You can also cruise under the midnight sun between late April and August, when The Svalbard Express relaunches its iconic 'sports route' from Bergen to Svalbard and back. The journey takes you up the Norwegian coast all the way to the North Cape before you cross over to Svalbard, and return through the Lyngen Alps on the way back.
The delicious flavours of Norway
While traveling with Hurtigruten, you will also get to know the country through the locally sourced food served on board. Norway’s culinary traditions have a lot in common with the nature along the coast: fresh, unique, and full of variety.
On board Hurtigruten, you will experience Norway’s Coastal Kitchen, a culinary concept where Hurtigruten's chefs cooperate closely with local suppliers who provide fresh produce of the highest quality every day.
The classic round trip voyage:
Bergen–Kirkenes–Bergen
To create your own voyage in Norway, select which ports you want to experience. Plan your Norwegian coastal voyage today!
