-

Our Environmental Impact

Learn how we focus on our emissions, and our impact on nature.

Emissions

Why is this important to us

By contributing to greenhouse gas emissions, we know we have a negative impact on the climate. This in turn affects the destinations we visit, and we have a duty of care to protect what we value.

What are we working towards

Net Zero 1, 2 and 3 emissions by or before 2050, and carbon neutral Scope 1 operations by 2040. Our first zero emission ship sailing on the Norwegian coast by 2030. We have committed to Science Based Targets.

What are we doing to get there

We take pride in having the greenest vessels in the industry. There are numerous examples of how we are working to lower emissions, these include:

  • In 2021, we announced one of the largest environmental upgrades in the history of European shipping, as all seven Hurtigruten Norwegian Coastal Express ships will be undergoing significant green upgrades through to 2023. Across the seven ships, the upgrades, as well as the phasing in of sustainable biofuels, will reduce CO2 emissions by around 25% and cut NOx emissions by a massive 80%.

  • In 2016 we ordered our first battery-powered hybrid-electric cruise vessels, and in 2020 we proudly launched the ships MS Roald Amundsen and MS Fridtjof Nansen as the world’s first battery hybrids. In 2021 we introduced our third battery hybrid-powered ship after the upgrade of MS Otto Sverdrup.

  • All our 14 vessels have been fitted with shore power connectivity to allow elimination of emissions when connected at ports with shore power, replacing fuel consumption while docked with electricity from renewable sources.

  • In 2009, we were the first to ban the use of heavy fuel oil (HFO) in all our operations. Furthermore, we work with NGOs to promote a broader international HFO ban for all vessels sailing in the Arctic.

  • Across our operations we have continued to introduce solar panels and zero emissions vehicles such as electric snowmobiles, battery-powered catamarans, an electric tour bus for excursions and a hybrid sightseeing vessel.

ESG in action

Frithjof Nansen

Hurtigruten Expeditions' MS Fridtjof Nansen rated the world’s most sustainable cruise ship

Read More
MS Richard With in Myklebust Yard

Hurtigruten Norway kicks off one of Europe's biggest environmental upgrades

Read More
Ship Nord-Norge

Hurtigruten Norway plans first emission free ship by 2030.

Read More

Impact on nature

Why is this important to us

Tourism puts pressure on natural resources and the ecosystems we rely on. We are committed to doing our part to protect the environment and helping to stop marine pollu- tion and litter.

What are we working towards

By 2030 we aim to reuse or recycle 100% of the waste we produce on board our ships and in our land-based operations.

What are we doing to get there

Fighting the exploitation and degradation of nature and local communities by mass tourism is one of our most important goals. For us it means:

  • Protecting the planet through strengthening of regulations: Being a first mover and leading by example is important to us. We believe in the power of the consumer and that consumers will make the right choices. We were the first cruise operator to ban heavy fuel oil, the first to ban single-use plastic, and the first to call for limitations of passengers per destinations. Across our destinations we work actively to road map a greener travel industry.

  • Stopping marine pollution with resource efficiency: We are constantly improving how we reduce, recycle and handle our waste. We have a strict system for cutting food waste. Our ships produce their own fresh water and reuse heat from engines and exhausts systems to warm water tanks onboard.

  • Inspire and educate our guests through our Science Programme: The Hurtigruten Expedition's Science Programme has one goal: to increase the awareness of our guests in the areas we visit. We contribute to several live science projects by offering in kind logistical support to researchers. We run numerous Citizen Science Programs to enhance knowledge and understand of the areas we sail in. Scientific research is conducted onboard via partnerships with world-wide institutions. We also offer a Young Explorer Programme on the Norwegian Coastal Express to teach children about the importance of nature in our lives.