First Battery Powered Cruise Ship Underway

July 1, 2019

MS Roald Amundsen sailing on battery power. Photo: Hurtigruten
MS Roald Amundsen sailing on battery power. Photo: Hurtigruten
MS Roald Amundsen (Photo: Hurtigruten)
MS Roald Amundsen (Photo: Hurtigruten)

Hurtigruten’s hybrid powered MS Roald Amundsen makes maritime history as the first cruise ship in the world to sail purely on battery power.

The moment – when the brand new expedition cruise ship moved through the water silent and completely emission free, powered by her large battery packs only - was captured off the west coast of Norway.

Specially designed for some of the most spectacular waters of the planet, MS Roald Amundsen features groundbreaking green technology such as the large battery packs which was put to the test as she left Kleven Yard for her maiden voyage.

"This opens a new chapter in maritime history. MS Roald Amundsen is the first cruise ship equipped with batteries, something deemed impossible just a few years back. With the introduction of MS Roald Amundsen, Hurtigruten sets a new standard not only for cruising, but for the entire shipping industry to follow" Hurtigruten CEO Daniel Skjeldam says.

Named after polar hero Roald Amundsen - who led the first expedition to traverse the Northwest Passage, the first expedition to the south pole and the first expedition proven to have reached the North Pole - MS Roald Amundsen is set to honor his legacy.

20% CO2 reduction
Starting this summer, the hybrid powered cruise ship will explore some of the most spectacular areas of the planet using the battery packs to support her low-emission engines. The hybrid propulsion will reduce CO2 emissions with more than 20 % compared to other ships of the same size.

The stunning scenery will be reflected in a modern Scandinavian design - with features spanning from the high-tech Amundsen Science Center, vast observation decks, an infinity pool, panoramic sauna, wellness center, three restaurants, bars, Explorer Lounge, aft-facing suites with private outdoor hot tubs, and the laidback atmosphere that creates the special Hurtigruten on board feel.

"MS Roald Amundsen is designed and built with sustainability at core of every little detail. In addition to the green technology, this makes her the first cruise ship in the world designed to be single-use plastic free. Sustainability will also be an integral part of the guest experience. From the hand-picked Hurtigruten Expedition Team to the industry-first Science Center, we will give the guests a deeper understanding of the areas we explore" Skjeldam says.

Hurtigruten took delivery of the world’s first hybrid powered cruise ship from Norway’s Kleven yard last week. She has been built alongside sister ship MS Fridtjof Nansen, debuting in 2020.

Highly experienced Hurtigruten captain Kai Albrigtsen was at helm as MS Roald Amundsen left the yard for her maiden voyage along the Norwegian coast.

From pole to pole
MS Roald Amundsen’s maiden season includes expedition cruises along the Norwegian coast, to Svalbard and Greenland, before becoming the first hybrid powered ship to attempt a traverse of the legendary Northwest Passage – following in the wake of the namesake explorer Roald Amundsen’s famed expedition.

In addition to eco-friendly expedition cruises along the west coast of North- and South-America - with destinations bigger cruise ships cannot reach - MS Roald Amundsen will head to the extreme south for a full 2019/2020 Antarctica season.

The World’s first hybrid powered cruise ship, equipped with large battery packs and groundbreaking green technology, at a glance:

  • Built: 2019 Kleven Yards, Norway
  • Gross tonnage: 20.889
  • Length: 140 m
  • Breadth: 23,6 m
  • Draft: 5,3 m
  • Guests: 530
  • Cabins: 265
  • Crew: 151
  • Cruising speed: 15 knots
  • Flag: Norwegian
  • Ice class: PC-6


Other on board facilities include: A fully equipped Science Center, observation decks, infinity pool, panoramic sauna, wellness center, three restaurants, bars, Explorer Lounge, more than 50% of cabins with private balconies.

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