And the title goes to…….Hurtigruton! Today, the leader in exploration travel revealed images of the world’s first hybrid electric-powered expedition ship, MS Roald Amundsen. The ship features state-of-the-art green technology consisting of large battery packs that compensate for spinning reverse and aid in peak shaving. Extra electric power generated from these batteries will allow the engines to function at optimal levels and in turn reduce fuel usage and CO2 emissions exponentially. The ship can also run at full battery power for short periods of time, adding to its already minimal carbon footprint.
More from James Shillinglaw from Insider Travel Report:
MS Roald Amundsen is named after polar hero Roald Amundsen, who led the first expedition to navigate the Northwest Passage, the first expedition to the South Pole, and the first expedition proven to have reached the North Pole. Starting this summer, the ship will explore some of the most spectacular areas of the planet using battery packs to support her low-emission engines. The hybrid propulsion will reduce CO2 emissions by more than 20 percent, compared with other ships of the same size.
MS Roald Amundsen displaces 20,889 gross registered tons and can carry up to 530 guests in 265 cabins served by 151 crew. It has a maximum cruise speed of 15 knots and is rated PC-6 ice class. The ship’s features include a high-tech Science Center, three restaurants, Explorer Lounge, observation decks, gym and Wellness Center, sauna with panoramic window, infinity pool, two hot tubs, aft-facing suites with private outdoor hot tubs, and a laidback atmosphere that creates the special Hurtigruten onboard feel.
Hurtigruten took delivery of the MS Roald Amunden last week from Norway’s Kleven yard. She has been built alongside sister ship MS Fridtjof Nansen, set to debut in 2020.
Hurtigruten captain Kai Albrigtsen was at the helm as MS Roald Amundsen left the yard for her maiden voyage along the Norwegian coast. “To captain a new ship and bring her from the shipyard is always an honor,” Albrigtsen said. “With MS Roald Amundsen being a green pioneer, this moment is truly special to me and the rest of the crew. I am extremely impressed with the ship, the technology, and how she handles. We are all really looking forward to welcoming the first guests on board and creating life-long memories together.”
MS Roald Amundsen’s maiden season includes expedition cruises along the Norwegian coast, and to Svalbard and Greenland, before becoming the first hybrid electric–powered ship to attempt a traverse of the famed Northwest Passage, following in the wake of 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 larger cruise ships cannot reach, MS Roald Amundsen will head to the extreme south for the full 2019/2020 Antarctica season, beginning in October.
