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Hurtigruten Names World's 1st Hybrid Ship
The world's first hybrid electric-powered expedition ship and
newest member of the Hurtigruten fleet, MS Roald Amundsen, was
officially named in Antarctica.
The ceremony took place in Chiriguano Bay on Brabant Island - and
instead of a traditional champagne bottle, godmother Karin Strand
opted for a chunk of ice.
According to the Norwegean cruise company, the ship will offer
itineraries across the Antarctic. It was named after iconic polar
explorer Roald Amundsen who led the first expeditions to the
likes of the Northern Passage, the South Pole, and the first
proven expedition to have reached the North Pole.
"We could not think of a better location than Antarctica to name
MS Roald Amundsen," said Daniel Skjeldam, chief executive officer
of Hurtigruten. "I believe Roald Amundsen would be proud. With
the ship carrying his name and legacy, Hurtigruten is redefining
boundaries, challenging the industry, and continuing to push
toward greener and more sustainable operations. As Roald Amundsen
was the symbol of a new era of exploration, this ship is the
symbol of a new era in the cruise industry."
Hurtigruten specially designed MS Roald Amundsen for exploring
some of the most spectacular waters in the world. Equipped with
groundbreaking green technology, MS Roald Amundsen uses large
battery packs to support her low-emission engines, reducing CO2
emissions by more than 20 percent.
MS Roald Amundsen made history this summer as the first cruise
ship to sail on battery power, and became the first hybrid
electric-powered ship to traverse the legendary Northwest
Passage.
After completing the 2019-20 Antarctica season, she will spend
the 2020 summer season in Alaska. A second hybrid
electric-powered expedition ship, MS Fridtjof Nansen, will join
the fleet in 2020.
Nov 10, 2019
