Norway is preparing for a milestone in maritime tourism as Hurtigruten and Havila Voyages launch the first climate-neutral demonstration cruises along the Norwegian coast. These initiatives are part of the country’s strategy to cut emissions and strengthen its leadership in sustainable shipping.
Hurtigruten has scheduled its first voyage for October 29. The liner Richard With (11,200 GT), built in 1993 and retrofitted as a hybrid vessel, will sail 3,100 miles entirely on biofuel. The company will use HVO100, an advanced fuel derived from recycled waste. “Our ships already run on blended biofuel, but this will be the first voyage fully powered by 100% advanced biofuel,” said Hurtigruten CEO Hedda Felin. The company has invested about €100 million in fleet modernization.
Havila Voyages is preparing a voyage with its Havila Polaris (15,776 GT), powered by LNG and batteries. On November 26, the vessel will load 200 m³ of liquefied biogas in Hammerfest, followed by another 150 m³ in Bergen on November 30. These supplies will cover the entire round voyage while reducing emissions by more than 90%. “We are pleased to confirm biogas deliveries and demonstrate that sustainable solutions are possible today,” said Havila CEO Bent Martini.
Both companies hold contracts with the Norwegian government to operate coastal routes until 2030. The use of biofuel and biogas not only reduces CO2 emissions but also lowers nitrogen oxide and sulfur emissions.
Norwegian authorities have introduced strict rules: vessels under 10,000 GT must achieve zero emissions when entering World Heritage fjords by 2026, and larger ships by 2032. Hurtigruten and Havila believe these demonstration cruises will prove the industry’s readiness to adopt stricter standards from the very start of the next contract period.
