This week, Hurtigruten left the quay in Bergen with pure biofuel in the tank. This will be the first ever climate-neutral sailing - a very positive development for Bergen as a sustainable destination," says Anders Nyland, CEO of Visit Bergen.
Hurtigruten will complete the 5,000 km round trip Bergen-Kirkenes-Bergen on climate-neutral biofuel and battery. The ship will also be connected to shore power in the ports where it is available. The entire voyage will be climate-neutral, and the first ever on the traditional coastal route.
Photo: Visit Bergen
A recent survey from Virtuoso, the leading global network for high-end tour operators, shows that 64 percent of high-end travelers say they are concerned about making sustainable choices during their trip. In this respect, it is extremely positive that Hurtigruten is constantly taking steps in the field of sustainability," says Anders Nyland.
- "Our ships already sail on blended biofuels, but for the first time we are sailing entirely on purely renewable biofuels. For us at Hurtigruten, it is important to do what we can to reduce emissions, and this sailing is an example of how biofuels can play a key role in achieving the Norwegian climate goals," says Hurtigruten CEO Hedda Felin.
MS Richard With in Svartsundet, close to Trollfjorden in Nordland. Photo: Espen Mills / Hurtigruten
Major emission cuts
Hurtigruten has invested more than NOK 1 billion in technical upgrades to the fleet to reduce CO2 and NOx emissions. At the same time, the company has gradually phased in the use of biofuels. This sailing will run on so-called HVO100, which is a waste-based advanced biofuel from energy supplier St1.
- In the long term, our vision is to be able to sail completely emission-free in normal operations. Advanced biofuels make it possible to achieve major emission reductions with the fleet we have. This is a proven and safe technology, and at the same time saves the climate from large emissions from the construction of new ships," says Felin.
Earlier this week, Hurtigruten invited stakeholders from the maritime industry, the fuel industry and trade unions to a dialogue on the role of biofuels in emission reductions and green transition. ST1, the Norwegian Shipowners' Association, Drivkraft Norge and the Norwegian Seamen's Association were the partners.
Bergen as a sustainable destination
According to Visit Bergen's website, tourism in the Bergen region contributes to housing, jobs, tax revenues and value creation. They point out that although travel involves greenhouse gas emissions and excessive visitor pressure can create challenges for cultural heritage, biodiversity and the local population, the focus on Bergen as a sustainable destination is an important part.
According to Visit Bergen, the Bergen region works well with sustainable development and several of the destinations in the region are labeled as "Sustainable destinations".
Visit Bergen also highlights One Ocean Week as an important arena for the tourism industry.
- "One Ocean Week is a great arena to showcase how well both Hurtigruten and many other tourism operators in Western Norway work with sustainable development," Nyland concludes.
