Hurtigruten Names Two New Expedition Ships After Famous Explorers
Hurtigruten honors two historic Norwegian polar explorers with ships’ new names.
The names of Hurtigruten’s two new hybrid powered expedition ships was announced in Oslo, Norway. The new ships, set to enter service in 2018 and 2019 have been named “Roald Amundsen” and Fridtjof Nansen,respectively. Fitting names as Amundsen and Nansen were exploring polar regions during the same time Hurtigruten entered the adventure travel market, over 120 years ago.
On December 14th, it will be exactly 105 years since Roald Amundsen became the first person in the world to plant his flag on the South Pole,” notes Daniel Skjeldam, CEO, Hurtigruten. “It has been 128 years since Fridtjof Nansen skied across Greenland and it is 120 years since Richard With, Hurtigruten’s founder, first started exploration tourism in the Arctic. So what could be more natural and appropriate than to name our new ships after these inspiring trailblazers.
Scandinavian interior design to reflect natural elements
With new ships “Roald Amundsen” and “Fridtjof Nansen”, Hurtigruten sets a new standard with respect to interior design and on-board customer experience. The interior will mirror the exterior waters and landscapes. Materials will be predominantly Norwegian and be inspired by nature with the innovative use of granite, oak, birch, wool, among other materials. All of which will be characterized by an innovative Scandinavian approach to interior design.
The two, 530 passenger ships will have large observation platforms on several decks for guests to get up-close to nature and wildlife. Six out of ten cabins will have their own balcony; two out of ten will be suites.
The vessels will have three restaurants with menus reflecting local flavors and destinations. A special pool deck will include infinity pools, Jacuzzis and bars.
The new ships are designed by Rolls-Royce, in collaboration with the recognized Norwegian yacht designer Espen Øino.
Hybrid electric technology propulsion to reduce emissions
The new Hurtigruten exploration ships “Roald Amundsen” and “Fridtjof Nansen” will showcase the very latest in innovative environmentally friendly technology. New hybrid technology will make sailing with electric propulsion for 15-30 minutes a reality.
However, the total reduction in fuel consumption and hence CO2-emissions, is the main gain. The technology, in combination with the construction of the hull and effective use of electricity on board, will reduce emissions from the ships by 20 percent.
In total, the two new ships will have a reduced CO2 emission of 6400 metric tons per year compared to traditional ships. In perspective, this is the same amount of yearly emissions created by 5540 new cars.
In addition to Arctic and polar cruising, both ships will also offer cruises along the rugged Norwegian coastline. The 2018 and 2019 itineraries for “Roald Amundsen” will be announced in November.
Source and Photos: Hurtigruten
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