One of Hurtigruten’s most well-known ship names is returning to the fleet. From mid-May 2025, the ship currently operating as MS Otto Sverdrup will be known by its original name: MS Finnmarken.

“Finnmarken is a name rich in history and meaning – for our guests, our employees, and the Norwegian coast,” said Hedda Felin, CEO of Hurtigruten.

The current ship was originally named MS Finnmarken when it entered service in 2002. In 2021, it was renamed MS Otto Sverdrup when it was transferred from the coastal route to Hurtigruten’s then-expedition company HX (formerly Hurtigruten Expeditions). The ship returned to Hurtigruten in 2024, and the name change will take effect in May 2025.

A return to tradition

Hurtigruten names its ships after places along the Norwegian coast, natural phenomena, and Norwegian royalty. One ship is also named after company founder Richard With (1846-1930). HX uses names connected to explorers, polar pioneers, and their vessels.

Hurtigruten and HX are now two separate companies with different brands and naming traditions.

“We know that the name Finnmarken has a strong connection and deep roots to many along the coast. We look forward to welcoming guests back on board a ship with a name that honours that history,” said Felin.

MS Finnmarken is the third Hurtigruten ship to bear the name. The first, DS Finnmarken (1912), was the largest vessel in the fleet at the time and sailed for 44 years. A second MS Finnmarken was built in 1956 and remained in service until 1993.

From Hamburg to Finnmark

The ship will continue operating the North Cape Line, sailing between Hamburg and Honningsvåg. Germany is one of Hurtigruten’s key markets, and the departure from Hamburg has become an important part of the company’s offer. Fittingly, the journey ends in Finnmark, the county in Norway the ship is named after.

“The combination of international departure and the Norwegian coastal experiences has proven to be a good match,” said Marius Griego, VP Sales & Marketing DACH at Hurtigruten

During the winter season, guests can also visit Stokmarknes, the birthplace of Hurtigruten, where all three ships named Finnmarken can be experienced. Parts of the original steamship from 1912 and the full 1956 vessel are preserved as the centrepieces at the Hurtigruten Museum.

Ship name categories in Hurtigruten’s current fleet

(Numbers in parentheses show how many ships have had the name since 1893)

• Geographic locations: MS Vesterålen (3), MS Nordkapp (1), MS Nordnorge (2), MS Finnmarken (3), MS Trollfjord (1)

• Royal names: MS Kong Harald (2)

• Natural phenomena: MS Nordlys (2), MS Polarlys (3), MS Midnatsol (4)

• Founder: MS Richard With (2)