Reinforces commitment to Science Based Targets, prioritizes emission elimination over carbon offsets and highlights its 2022 EUR66 Million sustainable fleet investment

Key sustainability milestones achieved with the launch of the second hybrid-powered ship in the Hurtigruten Norway fleet, MS Kong Harald, bringing the total of hybrid ships to five across the Hurtigruten Group. New electric tender boats developed in partnership with EVOY for Hurtigruten Expeditions.

Hurtigruten Group AS  has released its 2022 Environmental Social and Governance  Report reviewing performance against its company-wide goals as it delivers on the ambition to be the world’s leading sustainable, adventure travel company.

Included in the transparent measurement of its goals, the Company also shares its’ decision to not focus reduction efforts on offsetting or to offer offsetting to customers to achieve its targets of operating the first emission-free ship on the Norwegian coast by 2030, and becoming Net Zero by 2050. Instead, the Group’s three business areas – Hurtigruten Norway, Hurtigruten Expeditions and Hurtigruten Svalbard – will focus on investments driving in-sector emission reductions.

“Adventure travel creates advocates for the people, places, and wildlife impacted by climate change and our responsibility is to ensure that experience is done as sustainably as possible,” said Daniel Skjeldam, CEO, Hurtigruten Group. “We operate in a carbon-intensive industry and will be most effective by ensuring emissions don’t make it into the atmosphere in the first place. Our priority is investing in the technology that enables us to become Net Zero by 2050 and the launch of our fifth hybrid-powered ship as well as the introduction of electric tenders reinforces this commitment.”

2022 ESG Report Highlights

The 2022 ESG Report outlines concrete, science and engineering-backed solutions that have a tangible effect on areas where the Company can make the biggest contributions and focus on four key areas: Emissions, Nature, People and Communities. The ESG targets are approved by the Board of Directors and the Executive Management Team is responsible for implementing the strategy. Beginning in 2022, the compensation of the Group Executive Management Team is tied to the targets.

Highlights of the report include:

• EUR66 million invested in direct and indirect emissions reduction over the last twelve months, in line with the company’s reduction strategy which focuses on hybridization, fuel optimization, shore power connectivity as well as research & development contributing to the reduction of 2% absolute emissions since 2018 across the entire fleet
• 60% of guests participated in Citizen Science programs and 2,350 KG of litter was collected shoreside during ship operations by guests
• Spend on local food and beverage suppliers reaches 41% across Hurtigruten Norway and Hurtigruten Expeditions
• Women now represent 38% of the entire land and seaside workforce in a largely male-dominated industry

Hurtigruten Group committed to the Science Based Target initiative (SBTi) in 2022, a first of its kind for an adventure travel company. It is currently working on its emission reduction plan for validation by the SBTi, once approved it will be shared with the industry, so that it might inspire others to adopt the approach.

Second Norwegian Coastal Express Hybrid Ship

After having introduced its first environmentally upgraded battery-hybrid powered ship, MS Richard With, in 2022 Hurtigruten Norway is now launching a second hybrid electric power ship, MS Kong Harald. These are part of a 100 million Euro upgrade of the Hurtigruten Norway Coastal Express Fleet.

Altogether, seven ships will feature state-of-the-art technology that significantly reduces both CO2 and Nitrogen oxides (NOx) emissions. One more ship is planned to become hybrid in 2024, taking the total to three hybrid ships. The upgrade program will reduce CO2 emissions by 25% and NOx emissions by 80%. This is one of the largest environmental upgrades of its kind in Europe, and the largest in Hurtigruten Group’s history. While this is significant progress, Hurtigruten Norway continues to innovate in this area, and in collaboration with the research and maritime partners, is also committed to its Sea Zero research project, and will build its first zero-emission passenger ship by 2030.

“With two hybridized ships, even more guests can enjoy the rugged and beautiful coast of Norway from a quieter, state-of-the-art, environmentally-friendly ship. Over the months to come, all seven Coastal Express ships will be upgraded to be more sustainable,” said Hedda Felin, CEO, Hurtigruten Norway.

Electrifying Expedition Cruising

Developing new ways to reduce emissions is central to the company’s goals to net zero emissions by 2050. Hurtigruten Expeditions are collaborating with EVOY in developing the first electric tender boats custom-built for expedition cruises, from Antarctica to the Arctic and all the waters in between.

The newly developed boats are constructed for extreme weather and demanding sea conditions. They are designed to carry up to 20 passengers in addition to safety-related and scientific equipment for use on landings and excursions.

“We are very proud to be the first commercial expedition cruise fleet to offer this ground-breaking technology enabling silent and emission-free excursions with minimal disturbance to local wildlife. It is a perfect partnership based on our aligned commitment to safety and sustainability,” said Iain McNeill, SVP Operations, Hurtigruten Expeditions.

Hurtigruten Expeditions will introduce the first electric tender boats on expedition cruises with MS Otto Sverdrup along the Norwegian coast this season.