Norwegian expedition cruise operator Hurtigruten has signed a Letter of Intent with Rolls-Royce for a major environmental upgrade program to hybrid power. The main engines on up to nine cruise ships will switch from diesel to gas power and the upgrade will also include installation of a hybrid battery system.

One of Hurtigruten’s Norwegian coastal ships.

The deal comprises the supply of equipment to six existing passenger cruise vessels, with an option for a further three. The ships will completely change their power system with the installation of new Rolls-Royce LNG-engines as part of a new hybrid system. The upgrade will enable the former diesel-powered ships to reduce CO₂-emissions by at least 25%.

Hurtigruten was recently awarded licenses by the Norwegian Government for seven out of 11 coastal ferry routes. The year-round service, on the renowned passenger and cargo route from Bergen in the southwest to Kirkenes in the north, has 34 stops.

One of the key requirements from the Government of the route’s operator was a reduction in CO₂-emissions. With its plans for a major upgrade, Hurtigruten will be able to continue operating its existing fleet on the route and at the same time meet these new stricter environmental demands.

Hurtigruten is planning an upgrade with our newest and most environmentally efficient engine, powered by natural gas. This is another great innovation from our engine factory in Bergen, where we have more than ten years of experience of powering ships purely by gas. Together with other new energy system installations, Hurtigruten will make its older ships work as efficiently and environmentally as if they were new.

—Astrid Opsjøen, Rolls-Royce, Vice President Product Sales & Advanced Offerings

The intentional agreement specifies that Rolls-Royce is to deliver two of its newly developed Bergen B36:45 L&PG gas engines as the main engines to each ship. These LNG engines set a new standard in power and efficiency with exceptionally low emissions of NO_x, CO₂, SO_x and particulates.

Rolls-Royce will also supply the latest electrical power SAVe Cube system, designed with a single integrated drive switchboard for the whole vessel. Additional battery power will also be installed, making the ships hybrid powered and contributing to making them even more environmentally-friendly.

The propulsion system is planned to also include the Promas system, which combines rudder and propeller into one fuel efficient unit. In general the efficiency gain is between 3-8% for single screw vessels and 2-6% for twin screw vessels.

The new tender period for the coastal route starts on 1 January 2021.