Start-up cruise line Havila Voyages has begun sailing, with itineraries along the Norwegian coast on its first vessel Havila Capella.
The 640-passenger ship started its voyage on Sunday (December 12) with a voyage from Bergen to Kirkenes.
Bent Martini, chief executive of Norwegian firm Havila Voyages, said: “As we have established a new shipping company and built the first new ship in 18 years with three more new ships in store, I think we should dare to say that 12.12.21 is a historic day both for Havila Voyages and for the coastal route Bergen-Kirkenes.”
The remaining three vessels vessels – Havila Castor, Havila Polaris and Havila Pollux – are due to come into service during 2022.
The shipping company claims it will operate the Norwegian coast’s most environmentally friendly ships.
It has spent about NOK 500 million (£42 million) to make its plug-in hybrid ships environmentally friendly, with the world’s largest battery packs designed for passenger ships.
The batteries allow the ships to sail for four hours without noise and emissions.
Furthermore, there are no buffets on board as guests are served at their tables for all meals, which means that Havila Voyages will cut food waste by a total of 60 tonnes per year.