Hurtigruten Norwegian Coastal Express has unveiled a plan to operate zero emission ships along the Norwegian coast.

The operator is working with research organisation SINTEF on the project, with the first ship scheduled to enter service in 2030.

The project includes all aspects of a new ship build programme, from design, propulsion, energy and fuel to hotel operations and digital solutions.

Hurtigruten added that the goal is that the new ships will be emission free to both air and sea, and sustainable from a circular economy perspective.

The company is also upgrading its existing fleet to cut CO2 emissions by 25 per cent and NOx by 80 per cent.

Hurtigruten’s ‘most ambitious’ sustainability target

Hurtigruten Group CEO Daniel Skjeldam said: “We are excited to announce our most ambitious sustainability initiative to date; creating solutions for zero emission passenger ships, using the Norwegian coast as the ideal case.

“Our ambition is to sail an emission free Hurtigruten Norwegian Coastal Express ship by 2030.

“We, as a group, have ships sailing all over the world, and we see that the Norwegian coast is an ideal location for this kind of game changing project, where we can benefit from the innovative Norwegian expertise in green shipping.”

Hurtigruten Norway CEO Hedda Felin added: “We have built our last fossil-fuelled ship for the Norwegian Coastal Express. When we sail the coastal route for the next 100 years, it will be emission free, making the world’s most beautiful voyage even more spectacular.”

SINTEF ocean market director Trond Johnsen said: “The first phase of the project has already been kicked off and consists of a feasibility study, looking at technological and operational solutions for zero emission Hurtigruten Coastal Express ships on the Norwegian coast.”

In the second phase, maritime industry partners will be invited to participate in taking the project “further towards development and qualification of innovative green ship designs and technologies”, according to the statement.