Hurtigruten is preparing to conduct its first fully climate-neutral sailing on October 29th, 2025, marking a milestone in sustainable maritime operations. The 4,000-kilometre round voyage will follow the company’s traditional route between Bergen and Kirkenes aboard the MS Richard With, a battery-hybrid vessel.
For this departure, the ship’s tanks will be filled exclusively with 100% advanced biofuel, making it the first time the Bergen–Kirkenes route will be operated entirely carbon neutral. The ship will also connect to shore power where available, further reducing emissions. The company has indicated that this voyage serves as a practical demonstration of how biofuel can contribute to Norway’s broader decarbonisation goals.
Since 2022, Hurtigruten has invested approximately EUR 100 million in environmental upgrades across its fleet to cut CO₂ and nitrogen oxide emissions. The upcoming sailing will utilise HVO100, a hydrotreated vegetable oil supplied by St1, produced entirely from renewable waste sources. This fuel allows existing vessels to achieve significant emission reductions without the environmental costs associated with constructing new ships.
The initiative forms part of Hurtigruten’s wider commitment to emission reduction under its Sea Zero research and development programme. Conducted in collaboration with SINTEF and other Norwegian maritime partners, the project aims to design a vessel capable of operating without emissions during normal service.
Future concepts under the Sea Zero framework include hull designs that reduce drag, air lubrication systems, contra-rotating propellers, and energy-efficient sails. The company’s long-term ambition is to lower total energy consumption by up to half, enabling future vessels to operate primarily on battery power supported by renewable technologies.