Norwegian Hurtigruten invests in new expedition ship
The new ship's maneuverability and optimal size will bring Hurtigruten`s guests even closer to nature experiences. - We invest in our fleet to ensure that Hurtigruten remains a world leader in sustainable explorer travels along the Norwegian coast and in polar waters, says CEO Daniel Skjeldam.
It's been close to ten years since last time Hurtigruten invested in a new ship. The new ship was built in Portugal in 2009 and has been given the temporary name "MS Norway Explorer." She will have the capacity of 320 guests and 180 berths.
- The new ship is a strong addition to the Hurtigruten fleet and will replace MS Midnatsol along the Norwegian coast, when she sails to Antarctica for the winter season of 2016/2017, says Skjeldam.
Optimized for polar waters
Already this week, the ship makes its first voyage as member of the Hurtigruten fleet, from Portugal to Scandinavian waters. There she will be docked to undergo a total reconstruction in order to meet Hurtigruten`s high standards, before she is included in Hurtigruten operations next year. At that time she will be specially adapted for sailing in polar waters.
- The guest area will consist of comfortable cabins and common areas that makes it possible to experience the spectacular scenery in comfortable surroundings. It is a modern and environmentally friendly ship, and we will make further adjustments to reduce fuel consumption and emissions, says Skjeldam.
Investing for the future
The Hurtigruten fleet now consists of a total of 13 vessels.
- This investment gives us increased flexibility and opens great opportunities to enrich our guests' unique polar experiences. The vessel complements our fleet of expedition ships and also opens a window of opportunity to expand our service and offers at destinations such as Greenland, Svalbard and Antarctica, says Skjeldam.
Facts about MS Explorer Norway
The ship was built in 2009 by the Portuguese shipyard Viana do Castelo. It has a modern and fuel-efficient propulsion system and is very maneuverable.
Number of guests: 320
Total berth capacity: 180
Gross tonnage: 7025
Length: 97.53 m
Width: 18 m
Draft: 5 m
Propeller System: 2x 360 Azimut thrusters
Machinery: Diesel Electric
Speed: 17.4 knots
For further information, contact
SVP Global Communications
Anne Marit Bjørnflaten
Cell: +47 95 88 26 70
[email protected]