Green adventure cruises with Hurtigruten
Cruise ships generate an enormous amount of waste. Emissions created by powerful engines blacken the sea and the sky above it, but at the same time, there is no denying they are incredibly fun. Pioneering Arctic explorer cruise company, Hurtigruten, has now made a technological advancement to the battery power of its latest ship, that will change the way large passenger ships interact with their environments forever.
Introducing new, greener hybrid ships
In the same way hybrid cars use a combination of fossil fuels, electricity to power them and ergonomic design, Hurtigruten’s new ships battery design will reduce its fuel consumption by an impressive 20%. In addition, the propulsion on it will be fully electric, cutting its emissions significantly and making their all-inclusive cruise packages the ideal adventure for an increasing number of holidaymakers, who enjoy indulging in luxury exploration retreats.
Environmentally friendly holidays
The Arctic is melting. The newspapers scream this headline every other week. If this is indeed the case, then the very last thing we should be doing is creating more pollution in this part of the world and threatening this delicate ecosystem further.
By using environmentally sustainable hybrid technology and taking visitors to experience the beauty of the conservation areas we should be protecting, this innovative tour company is not just setting a great green example, but also providing exciting exploration visits to a part of the world few have ever seen.
Developing green holiday technology
Picture yourself sailing into the Norwegian fjords. The steep cliffs of these scenic watery inlets are a scene of utter tranquillity. The green fields are broken up only by the old remote farm. The silence is broken up only by the odd splash of a whale’s tail. Thanks to Hurtigruten’s innovative electric propulsion, the new ship’s engine will be impressively quiet, adding no noise pollution to the serene wonder that is the Norwegian fjords. No longer will you hear the noisy splattering of the sort of engine cruise ships around the Norwegian coastline.
The fjords are an attraction that are visited by thousands of tourists every year and now you can enjoy their bucolic wonder, without the intrusive sounds of the modern world getting in the way.
It is now possible to sail with electric propulsion for a time period of 15 to 30 minutes. The company worked with Rolls-Royce and not for profit, Bellona; an organisation heavily involved in helping companies meet climate challenges, to develop the new ship. This all took place in the Kleven shipyards in Norway.
The reduction in fuel consumption by 20% was achieved not just through an effective use of electricity, but also via the construction of a more efficient hull. 3000 metric tons of CO2 will now not be pumped into the atmosphere above the Arctic as a result of these changes.
What do Hurtigruten’s achievements mean for the future of shipping?
The first ship featuring this new technology will sail in 2018. By proving that such a significant reduction in fuel consumption is possible in such a large sailing vessel, the rest of the world will surely be forced to take notice. The Norwegian government already has an enterprise promoting environmentally friendly consumption of energy. How long before this is adopted by governments around the world?
Travel to vulnerable areas will be possible without causing damage and leaving unnecessary carbon footprints and these explorations, in themselves, are to be encouraged, as they promote exactly why the preservation of the un spoilt beauty of the North Pole is so important.
Phase one of the technological advances, involves improved battery power in the engine to produce fuel consumption reductions. Phase 2 will be introduced with the two further ship commissions and this will see the ship sailing for longer distances and longer periods of time using more electricity to power the engines.
The history of Hurtigruten
Hurtigruten is an expert in traversing the Norwegian coastline, even in areas which are hostile to unprepared ships. Their boats have strengthened hulls for breaking ice and the staff have an intimate knowledge of every twist and turn of this sometimes precarious stretch of water.
With an increase in interest in Hurtigruten, exploring holidays, have witnessed a rise in the number of passengers looking to travel around the fjords and the Arctic Circle. You too can take advantage of these exciting once-in-a-lifetime, bucket list holidays.
Hurtigruten holidays
Unlike any other luxury all-inclusive package in the world, Hurtigruten will take you on a picturesque tour of the land of the midnight sun. You see the northern lights with their ribbons of green and red reflected on the frozen terrain, as well as wildlife only found this far north. Why not take an expedition to see polar bears in the natural habitat around the Spitsbergen, as well as a trip to see the huge number of bird varieties in the Lofoten islands? Should you choose to book a Hurtigruten cruise, your itinerary will be packed with untold, magical Arctic excitement. Here are just a few of the excursions you can expect to do:
- Stand at the foot of Mount Aksla
- Discover the stilt houses of Trondheim
- Take part in an authentic Viking feast
- Sail across the entrance of the Trollfjord
- Take a polar dog sledging excursion new lights
- Circumnavigate the North Cape
- Visit the snow hotel in Kirkenes
- Taken a refreshing ice dip in the freezing ocean
- Cross the Arctic Circle
- Marvel at the Seven Sisters mountains
- Stroll through the impressive flora of Bergen
- Track polar bears in the Spitsbergen national park
If you like to find out more about Hurtigruten, our trusted travel partner, please give the Aspen travel team a call. We’ll be able to give you all the information you need about cruise schedules and current offers.
