Norway is preparing to host the world’s longest climate-neutral cruise as Havila Voyages plans a test round trip along the country’s famous coastal route this year. The company is working on a 12-day voyage covering more than 5,000 nautical miles (around 9,260 km) between Bergen and Kirkenes and back, using a combination of renewable biogas and large battery packs.
The cruise is designed to give travellers a guilt-free way to explore Norway’s spectacular landscapes, including fjords, Arctic scenery, and the Northern Lights. Cruise ships are often criticised for their heavy carbon emissions, but Havila believes this journey could prove that long-distance climate-neutral sailing is possible.
Havila Voyages already operates four coastal ships that run on LNG and are equipped with 6.1 megawatt-hour (MWh) battery packs. These ships, built with energy-efficient hull designs, each weigh 15,800 gross tons and can carry up to 650 passengers, 179 between ports and 468 in cabins. In June 2022, Havila showed the capability of its 86-ton battery pack when the Havila Castor sailed through the Geirangerfjord emission-free for four hours.
The company is now preparing to go further by combining battery power with biogas, a renewable fuel made from organic waste. This will allow one of its ships to sail the entire Bergen–Kirkenes round trip climate-neutrally.
Bent Martini, CEO of Havila Voyages, said during Norway’s annual Arendalsuka political conference that the company is negotiating with suppliers to secure enough biogas for the trip and believes they will succeed. He explained that if the plan works, Havila could demonstrate this year that it is possible to complete the full 5,000-nautical-mile coastal route without adding to greenhouse gas emissions.
Cruise travel is one of the most carbon-intensive ways to explore. In 2022, even the most efficient ships were estimated to emit around 250 grams of carbon dioxide per passenger for every kilometre travelled. Havila sees its climate-neutral voyage as part of Norway’s role in transitioning the shipping industry toward greener operations.
Martini urged Norwegian authorities to maintain their environmental commitments, saying that the coastal route could serve as a “beacon for the green transition” in shipping. He said current technology can already meet tougher standards and warned that unclear political decisions could discourage investment in greener solutions.
Havila Voyages holds a nine-year contract to operate coastal services between 2021 and 2030, sharing responsibilities with long-time provider Hurtigruten. Hurtigruten has also been adding batteries to its ships, improving efficiency, and is developing designs for a new generation of zero-emission vessels.
Norway has already set deadlines for its zero-emission targets. From January 1, 2026, the country will begin a six-year phase-in of regulations requiring coastal ships under 10,000 gross tons to operate without emissions. By 2032, all vessels sailing in Norway’s world heritage fjords and along the coast will need to meet zero-emission standards.
References: NDTV, EuroNews
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