Hurtigruten as confirmed plans to power ships with fuel made from dead fish and other organic waste.
The expedition cruise line has signed a deal with Norwegian producer Biokraft to supply climate-neutral liquified biogas (LBG).
The seven and a half year agreement includes almost daily deliveries of biogas produced from organic waste to Hurtigruten vessels.
They claim to be the first cruise ships in the world to be powered by fossil-free LBG.
Hurtigruten aims to replace conventional engines with gas-powered engines and large battery packs on at least six of its ships by 2021.
The hybrid ships will run on a combination of clean electric power, natural gas (LNG) and biogas (LBG).
Renewable biogas, considered to be the most eco-friendly fuel currently available, is already used as fuel in small parts of the transport sector, especially in buses.
Northern Europe and Norway, with has large fishery and forestry sectors that produce a steady volume of organic waste, has a unique opportunity to become world leader in biogas production, according to Biofraft.
Biokraft describes the Hurtigruten deal as “a groundbreaking change for the future of the shipping and cruise industry”.
CEO Havard Willan said: “Norway has a long history as one of the world’s leading maritime nations and has been living off the oceans for generations.
“Currently our oceans are under pressure from climate change and pollution. This is what we are working to change with dedicated partners like Hurtigruten.
“We see this as a major step towards green and sustainable shipping.”
The line’s CEO Daniel Skjeldam said:“This is a large and significant move for Hurtigruten, for Biokraft, for green solutions in the global shipping industry, and most importantly, for the environment.
“What others see as a problem, we see as a resource and a solution.
“While other operators are running on cheap, polluting heavy fuel oil, our ships will literally be powered by nature.
“Biogas is the greenest fuel in shipping, a no-brainer for us, and a huge advantage for the environment. We would love other cruise companies to follow.”