Hurtigruten Norway has applied for funding for the next stage of its drive to create ships with zero emissions for the Coastal Express by 2030.
The Coastal Express is the cruise company’s “signature voyage” along the Norwegian coast from the southern city of Bergen, across the Arctic Circle to Kirkenes, and back.
The first funding application has been submitted for the next phase of the ‘Sea Zero’ project – run with research institute SINTEF and other partners.
Hedda Felin, Hurtigruten Norway chief, said only 0.1% of all vessels globally have zero emissions technology so being the first movers in the industry “has its challenges”.
“The cost of going first is always higher than copying others a few years later,” she said.
“However, our environment is running out of time, and Hurtigruten Norway and our partners want to do our part and lead the way to zero emissions.
“The progress towards sustainability in the cruise industry has been too slow, simply put.
“Consumers will not continue to accept the use of heavy fuel oil or climate targets that are way behind the Paris Accord. Zero emission ships are the game-changer the cruise industry need.”
In August, a feasibility study looking at possible technology and fuel options for the new ships was completed.
It points to testing a range of innovative technologies, alongside investigating modern batteries for more environmentally friendly Hurtigruten ships.
As only 14% of global energy today is renewable, and energy is becoming an even more scarce resource, energy efficiency will also be a pillar in the Sea Zero project.