Hurtigruten’s MS Roald Amundsen has made maritime history as the first cruise ship in the world to sail purely on battery power.
The moment the brand new expedition cruise ship moved through the water silent and completely emission free, powered only by her large battery packs, was captured in a series of pictures taken off the west coast of Norway.
MS Roald Amundsen sailing on battery power along the West Coast of Norway, above, below and top of page
Specially designed for some of the most spectacular waters of the planet, 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.
Roald Amundsen is the first cruise ship equipped with batteries, something deemed impossible just a few years back, setting a new standard not only for cruising but for the entire shipping industry to follow, according to Hurtigruten CEO Daniel Skjeldam.
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 by more than 20 per cent compared to other ships of the same size.
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 – Roald Amundsen will head to the extreme south for a full 2019/2020 Antarctica season.
Captain Kai Albrigtsen was at helm as Roald Amundsen left the Kleven shipyard
Highly experienced Hurtigruten captain Kai Albrigtsen was at helm as the ship left the Kleven yard for her maiden voyage along the Norwegian coast.
“To captain a new ship and bring her from the shipyard is always an honour,” he said. “Roald Amundsen being a green pioneer makes this moment truly special to me and the rest of the crew.
“I am extremely impressed of the ship, the technology and how she handles. Now, we are all really looking forward to welcoming the first guests on board and create life-long memories together.”