Havila Voyages to Operate First Cruise on Liquified Biogas

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Havila Voyages is preparing to make history with its first cruise powered by liquified biogas (LBG), marking a major step toward climate-neutral maritime travel. On November 26, the Havila Polaris will depart from near Hammerfest carrying 200 cubic meters of liquified biogas. Four days later, on November 30, the ship will arrive in Bergen to take on an additional 150 cubic meters.

With the combined supply of biogas and energy stored in its advanced battery systems, Havila Polaris will have enough power to complete a full round-trip voyage along the scenic Norwegian coast without relying on conventional fossil fuels. The initiative positions Havila Voyages at the forefront of sustainable cruising.

The liquified biogas is being provided by Barents Naturgass and Molgas, derived from organic waste materials such as food scraps, manure, and fish sludge. The renewable fuel will be blended with the ship’s existing natural gas reserves, dramatically reducing carbon emissions.

“With this voyage, we aim to demonstrate that operating the entire coastal route in a climate-neutral way is possible,” said Bent Martini, CEO of Havila Voyages. “The amount of biogas we will have onboard is significant and will reduce greenhouse gas emissions from this voyage by more than 90 percent. We believe this should be the minimum requirement in the next tender period for the Norwegian coastal route.”

The announcement follows similar sustainability milestones from other Norwegian operators, including Hurtigruten, which will launch its first climate-neutral biofuel sailing on October 29. The MS Richard With, a battery-hybrid vessel, will sail from Bergen to Kirkenes powered entirely by advanced biofuel.

Martini welcomed the industry-wide shift toward greener operations. “It’s very positive that Hurtigruten is now testing solutions that prove stricter climate requirements can be implemented immediately,” he said. “The more shipping companies that choose sustainable options, the better it is for our coast and our planet.”

By investing in renewable fuels and hybrid technology, Havila Voyages continues to redefine eco-friendly cruising—showing that large-scale, climate-neutral passenger voyages are not only feasible but essential for the future of sustainable maritime travel.

Related News: https://airguide.info/category/cruise

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