World's first battery-hybrid expedition cruise ships meet in Northwest Passage

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Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä

Category: Top Headlines Top Headlines

Published: 31 August 2023 31 August 2023

A momentous event unfolded on August 28 in the Northwest Passage as Hurtigruten Expeditions’ Roald Amundsen and Fridtjof Nansen crossed paths for the first time in their respective histories. The bow-to-bow meeting of the battery-hybrid vessels – including Roald Amundsen, the world’s first hybrid battery-powered cruise ship, also named after the first explorer to traverse the Northwest Passage – took place in Cambridge Bay, Canada. Guests and crew were invited to celebrate with flags, banners and warm beverages on the top decks.

“This gathering serves as a moment to celebrate our legacy,” said Hurtigruten Expeditions' Group CEO, Daniel Skjeldam. “As the founders of expedition cruising in 1896, we are born explorers, taking generations of travellers into the unknown.”

The two ships crossed during Fridtjof Nansen’s 27-day westbound Northwest Passage sailing to Nome, Alaska and Roald Amundsen’s 26-day eastbound Northwest Passage sailing to Halifax, Canada. Guiding the vessels are Captain Terje Willassen and Captain Raymond Martinsen, united in their pursuit of navigating the historic route. “Passing Zenith Point, I'm struck by the remarkable achievements of past explorers in these cold, remote places more than one hundred years ago. However, it's the enduring presence of today's inhabitants, surviving here since the Thule era, that commands my utmost respect,” said Captain Raymond Martinsen.

In the wake of great explorers: Roald Amundsen

An ice-covered maritime route that links the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans through the Arctic, the Northwest Passage has long captivated the imaginations of travelers. In 1906, Roald Amundsen (best known for being the first person to reach the South Pole) pioneered the first successful Northwest passage crossing, a three-year journey culminating in Nome, Alaska. His achievement was the result of diligent study, learning from both former explorers and native Inuit societies who provided indispensable insights into surviving in the Arctic.

Captain Terje's unique connection to Roald Amundsen's legacy – growing up and residing in the same Norwegian town as the prolific explorer – adds a layer of significance to this occasion. “Growing up, listening to the tales of Roald Amundsen, and sailing aboard the ship named in his honour through the Northwest Passage fills me with pride. The expedition that consumed three years of his life, we strive to conquer in a mere 24 days. This experience both uplifts my pride and instils humility within me as I trace the path of this remarkable explorer,” said Terje.

More than a passerby: ties to the passage

Like Roald Amundsen, Hurtigruten Expeditions is guided by the invaluable insights gained from local scientific study and communities. During their passage, both ships will offer guests opportunities to conduct research on behalf of third-party entities with the expedition cruise line’s Citizen Science program. Projects available to guests during this journey include eBird, iNaturalist, Cloud observations, Secchi Disk, and Happywhale. Additionally, travellers onboard Roald Amundsen will journey alongside guest scientist Frances Crable, a PhD student collecting oceanographic and hydrographic data along the route.

Furthermore, this year, the Hurtigruten Foundation granted funds to Red Fish Arts Studio, aiding disadvantaged youth in Cambridge Bay, Nunavut. Another beneficiary – Oxen Expedition Engagement Network, founded by Alex McNeil, Senior Vice President of Expeditions Product at Hurtigruten Expeditions – seeks to integrate local perspectives in the Arctic travel experience and support local business growth in Arctic communities.

Fincantieri's Marghera shipyard delivers Norwegian Viva

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Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä

Category: Top Headlines Top Headlines

Published: 03 August 2023 03 August 2023

Norwegian Viva, the second of six vessels from Norwegian Cruise Line’s (NCL) new Prima-class of ships was delivered today at the Marghera shipyard.

Along with is sister-ships, Norwegian Viva will form the backbone of the future NCL fleet, at 143,000 gross tons, almost 300 meters long, and accommodating approx. 3,100 guests. Deliveries are scheduled through 2028.

The Prima-class is based on a prototype project developed by Fincantieri, which enhances the consolidated features of NCL’s signature offering of freedom and flexibility, qualified by an innovative configuration for an elevated passenger experience. In addition, focus was set on energy efficiency, with the twofold aim of optimizing consumption at sea and reducing environmental impact, compliant with all the most recent regulations on this matter.

NCL is part of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd., the U.S.-based company, which is one of the world’s leading cruise operators. Besides NCL, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. operates the Regent Seven Seas Cruises brand, to which Fincantieri will deliver this year in Ancona a third luxury cruise ship, Seven Seas Grandeur, after Seven Seas Explorer (2016) and Seven Seas Splendor (2020), as well as Oceania Cruises, for which the Group has delivered Vista, the first of the new generation Allura-class, with the second to be delivered in 2025.

From 2016 Fincantieri and Lloyd’s Register cooperate with Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. on all brands of the group to deliver the new generation of ships.