A revamped battery-hybrid powered ship has entered service for Hurtigruten Expeditions.
MS Otto Sverdrup departed from Hamburg today (Tuesday) on its maiden voyage to the Norwegian coast.
The sailing marks the return of Hurtigruten’s expedition cruises after more than a year of pandemic pause and the first year-round departures from Germany.
Following a complete upgrade and transfer to Hurtigruten Expeditions, MS Otto Sverdrup is equipped with battery backs and other green technology.
The ship joins similar environmentally friendly vessels MS Roald Amundsen and MS Fridtjof Nansen in the fleet.
MS Maud will then start the first year-round UK-based expedition cruises next month from Dover as part of the company’s step-by-step restart of operations.
Hurtigruten Expeditions chief executive Asta Lassesen said: “We are thrilled to finally be back exploring with our guests. This is a day we have all been really looking forward to after a very challenging year for the entire travel industry.
“Our guests have been extremely patient, and I know they are as excited as we are.
“As we return to operations, the safety of our guests, crew and the communities we explore is our number one priority. Our stringent health and safety protocols, including our vaccination policy for all guests and crew, will ensure that everyone feels safe, protected and comfortable on board without limiting experience.
“We saw the travel industry’s global pause as a golden opportunity to invest, upgrade and improve our ships and product.
“As we return to cruising, MS Otto Sverdrup will feature a combination of advanced green technology, including new battery packs, that will ensure an even more sustainable way of exploring the Norwegian coast.”