Havila Voyages brings second ship into service

Havila Voyages’ second hybrid-powered ship has entered service a day after the new company cancelled a sailing by its debut vessel.

Havila Castor set off on Tuesday on its first voyage along the Norwegian coast from Bergen to Kirkenes.

First ship Havila Capella’s May 15 departure had to be cancelled as part of a dispute over ties to a Russian firm which was financing its vessels.

The Norwegian foreign affairs ministry rejected an application by the company for an exemption in order to insure Havila Capella.

Havila Castor will be the first passenger ship to sail into the Geirangerfjord purely on battery, silently and emission-free on June 2.

Chief executive Bent Martini said: ”That is four years before the Norwegian government’s requirement for this type of sailing in our world heritage fjord and we are proud that we have already achieved this.

“Delivering on our climate and environmental promises is important to us.

“Figures from Havila Capella’s previous sailings show that we have cut CO2 emissions by more than 30% in operations so far, and we will continue to work on further reductions.”