Hurtigruten continues to strengthen its commitment to environmentally responsible technologies. Three of its ships—specifically the MS Trollfjord, MS Finnmarken, and MS Midnatsol—will be refurbished and transformed into luxury exploration vessels featuring new eco-friendly technology with hybrid engines. These ships will be renamed MS Maud, MS Otto Sverdrup , and MS Eirik Raude, respectively, and will sail along the Norwegian coast for a year in 2021.
“With these new expedition ships, you’ll be able to explore Norway like never before, with all the comforts, facilities, and professionalism needed for a perfect adventure. Combined with revolutionary green technology, these ships will be outstanding,” announced Hurtigruten CEO Daniel Skjeldam. “At Hurtigruten, we are committed to sustainable solutions and the introduction of green technologies as the core of everything we do. We operate in one of the most spectacular areas in the world, and that comes with a great responsibility.”.
The installation of the new batteries will be carried out in stages. The first to undergo the upgrade will be the MS Otto Sverdrup in 2020, followed by the MS Maud and the MS Eirik RaudeThe key element of this upgrade will undoubtedly be the new batteries, which drastically reduce emissions, as the ships will be equipped with shore power connections to charge the batteries while they are docked in port.
But it's also important to highlight the new look of its facilities, which share a common thread: natural materials sourced from Scandinavia, such as granite, oak, birch, and wool. Guests will have the opportunity to enjoy a relaxing atmosphere and a distinguished style that will add to the value of the first-class onboard experience. Furthermore, the ships' cabins and suites will be completely renovated and will feature new décor and views, although each ship's art collection will be preserved and installed on the newly christened vessels.
Three new restaurants will also be added, combining Hurtigruten's new concepts in catering for the growing fleet of expedition ships:
The main restaurants will be transformed into Restaurant Aune, the new core restaurant concept for expedition ships, maintaining a social and informal atmosphere and incorporating natural elements into the interior design. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner will be served, all based on Scandinavian identity. Restaurant Lindstrøm will also be added, a specialty restaurant with strong Norwegian culinary roots that contrasts with modern trends. This restaurant, named after the chef favored by Norwegian polar heroes, will offer a higher-quality option for guests. Meanwhile, on the upper decks, the Fredheim dining room will be added, more informal than the other restaurants, named after the legendary Svalbard hunting grounds that welcomed adventurers from around the world in the 1920s.
In addition, the renovated ships will feature a new wellness area thanks to their new gyms, lounges and treatment rooms, not forgetting that the pool area of the MS Otto Sverdrup and the whirlpool areas of the MS Maud and MS Eirik Raude will be completely renovated.
Another distinctive feature of these new ships is that they will all have the Hurtigruten Science Center. It will be equipped with the latest technology and state-of-the-art devices, such as touchscreens, scientific equipment, and other interactive features. The educational entertainment area will also serve as the onboard headquarters for the expedition team.
Finally, the ships will also feature new expedition boats, so guests can embark on excursions and adventures for a truly immersive experience.
“For centuries, humans have pushed boundaries and explored some of the most spectacular areas and waters on our planet. As the world’s largest expedition cruise company, we are closely connected to these great explorers and polar heroes. With names inspired by their great achievements, we honor their legacy,” says Skjeldam. In keeping with this spirit, the three new ships will pay tribute to Norway’s exploration and seafaring tradition and its milestones. With its new name, the MS Trollfjord will honor the Maud, the name of Roald Amundsen’s original ship, named after the first queen of modern Norway. The MS Finnmarkenwill adopt the name of Otto Sverdrup, the celebrated explorer who crossed Greenland on skis for the first time in human history. And finally, the new name of the MS Midnatsol will pay tribute to the legendary Viking leader Eirik Raude, better known as Erik the Red, the discoverer of Greenland.
