Hurtigruten has moved one step closer to powering its ships with fuel made from dead fish and other organic waste.

The cruise line has signed a long-term agreement with Norway-based Biokraft to supply climate-neutral liquefied biogas (LBG). 

The partnership includes near-daily deliveries of biogas produced from organic waste to Hurtigruten ships – the first in the world to be powered by fossil-free LBG, according to the cruise line. Deliveries are expected to start in 2020.

Hurtigruten CEO Daniel Skjeldam said: “What others see as a problem, we see as a resource and a solution. While other operators are running on cheap, polluting heavy fuel oil, our ships will literally be powered by nature. Biogas is the greenest fuel in shipping, a no-brainer for us, and a huge advantage for the environment. We would love other cruise companies to follow.

“This is a large and significant move for Hurtigruten, for Biokraft, for green solutions in the global shipping industry, and most importantly, for the environment.”

Hurtigruten aims to replace conventional engines with gas-powered engines and large battery packs on at least six of its ships by 2021. They will run on a combination of clean electric power, natural gas (LNG) and LBG.

Renewable biogas, which is considered the most eco-friendly fuel currently available, is currently used in other transport sectors, including on buses. 

Biokraft CEO Håvard Wollan added: “We are proud to partner with Hurtigruten and see this as a major step towards green and sustainable shipping. It is very encouraging to see that Hurtigruten once again proves their stance as the world’s greenest cruise line, setting an example by effectively being the company that is introducing biogas as fuel in the shipping industry.”

Speaking to Cruise Trade News last year, Skjeldam outlined his belief that the cruise industry can do more on environmental measures.