Hurtigruten to Launch First 100% Biofuel Voyage This Month

Hurtigruten is set to make history later this month with its first climate-neutral sailing powered entirely by advanced biofuel. On October 29, the battery-hybrid MS Richard With will depart from Bergen for a round-trip journey to Kirkenes along Norway’s scenic coast—covering 2,485 miles with tanks filled exclusively with 100% advanced biofuel. The ship will also connect to shore power whenever available to further minimize emissions.

“Our ships already sail on blended biofuel, but for the first time we will complete an entire voyage using 100% advanced biofuel,” said Hedda Felin, CEO of Hurtigruten. “For us, it’s vital to take real, measurable steps to reduce emissions. This voyage shows that biofuel can play a key role in helping Norway reach its climate goals.”

Over the past three years, Hurtigruten has invested more than $100 million in technical and environmental upgrades across its fleet to cut greenhouse gas emissions. The company has been gradually introducing biofuels such as hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO), derived from renewable waste materials.

Felin explained that advanced biofuels make significant emission reductions possible without requiring new ship construction. “This is proven, safe technology that helps protect the climate from the large emissions typically caused by building new vessels,” she said. “Our long-term vision is to achieve fully emission-free sailing in normal operation.”

The company is also moving forward with its Sea Zero research and development program, a collaboration with Sintef and other Norwegian maritime partners. The project’s goal is to design a next-generation zero-emission ship that reduces total energy demand by up to 50%. Future designs could combine battery propulsion with wind-assisted sails, air-lubricated hulls, more efficient hull shapes, and contra-rotating propellers.

Hurtigruten’s upcoming biofuel voyage underscores its leadership in sustainable maritime innovation—demonstrating that the path toward cleaner cruising can begin with today’s ships while building the foundation for a truly zero-emission future.

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