Hurtigruten’s Richard With sets sail on first climate-neutral voyage
Hurtigruten’s MS Richard With has departed Bergen on the line’s first climate-neutral voyage
The ship, which set sail on 29 October, is currently charting a course along the operator’s Coastal Express route to Kirkenes and back, carrying passengers, goods, and tourists.
The battery-hybrid ship will complete a 5,000-kilometre round trip using 100 per cent advanced biofuel HVO100, produced from waste and residual materials like used cooking oil and fat waste.
“This marks a historic moment in Hurtigruten’s more than 130-year legacy along the Norwegian coast. Most importantly, it’s further proof that emission cuts are possible today by using sustainable biodiesel, without the need to invest billions in new ships or infrastructure,” said Hedda Felin, CEO of Hurtigruten.
“Hurtigruten believes that sustainable biofuel is the fastest and most cost-effective way to cut emissions. This is especially true for shipping, where zero-emission technology for larger vessels is still a few years away.”
Over the past four years, Hurtigruten has invested around €100 million in technical upgrades. Richard With is one of the vessels equipped with battery packs and new engines, significantly improving energy efficiency.
The line also implemented advanced sewage treatment systems and purification units, which have reduced NOx emissions by more than 80 per cent, and all ships in the fleet are now fitted with shore power connections.
“Lifecycle analyses show that [HVO100] can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 90 per cent compared with fossil alternatives,” said Lea Rankinen, managing director of St1 Norway, Hurtigruten’s fuel supplier.
“This voyage demonstrates how circular solutions can deliver real emission reductions today. Hurtigruten is showing decisive leadership, and for us at St1, this is about using technology and resources more intelligently. We turn waste into fuel and show that the energy transition is possible now,” said Rankinen.
The fuel is produced from raw materials collected by St1’s British subsidiary, Brocklesby, and processed at St1’s biorefinery in Gothenburg. The production is ISCC-certified, ensuring compliance with sustainability requirements and full traceability at every stage.
Earlier this week, Princess Cruises’ UK and Europe sales director Hayley Moore joined Hurtigruten as its new vice president of sales and marketing.
