Buying four new express routes of a Rolls-Royce – Avisa Nordland

– This is the largest investment in Hurtigruten’s 120-year history. It is a milestone for us, Norwegian tourism and Norwegian shipbuilding. We will build the toughest expedition ships in the world, and everything is set for us to do it here in Norway, right in the coastal trail, says Hurtigruten CEO Daniel Skjeldam, according Nord24.

today it was announced that Hurtigruten has signed a memorandum with shipbuilding group Kleven for the construction of up to four advanced expedition ships. The first ship will be completed in summer 2018.

– This agreement demonstrates Norway’s strong international role as a shipbuilding nation. It will also ensure Hurtigrutens position as world leader in the adventure tourism in the Arctic and Antarctic, writes Hurtigruten in a statement.

Ensures Norwegian jobs

Illustration of one of the new express routes (Photo: Illustration Rolls-Royce )

Skjeldam and CEO at Kleven Ståle Rasmussen smiled broadly under today’s announcement of the agreement aboard MS Polarlys in Bergen. for Kleven and Ulsteinvik means increased activity for years to come.

the MOU covers the construction of two new Hurtigruten ships adapted expedition sailings, but also includes an option to build further two ships.

– This may be one of the largest contracts in the shipyard’s history. We envisage that 150 to 200 shipyard employees will be involved at all times, as well as two to three times as many in sub ago . A contract like this will obviously be very important for us and a key component of employment during the project period. Hurtigruten is contracting the mission extra attractive, says Rasmussen in the press release.

Daniel Skjeldam and Ståle Rasmussen (Photo: Tor Farstad )

Last time Kleven Ulsteinvik built for Hurtigruten, it was OVDS who was the principal and the ship was MS Finnmarken. it happened in April 2002. Three of the current Hurtigruten ships are built at Kleven.

today there are more than ten years ago Hurtigruten recently built a new ship; expedition ship MS Fram. Hurtig says that in this last process has considered twelve yards worldwide, before ending at Kleven.

– We rated providers based on a comprehensive set of criteria on quality, delivery performance and price have weighed heavily. It was especially nice to see that a Norwegian shipyard came out on top. For us it is important that Hurtigruten turn can contribute to activity and jobs in a proud and long Norwegian shipyard tradition, says Skjeldam.

Eco

The ships will be specially adapted experience-based expedition travel – and can sail also along the Norwegian coast.

– A special project will be established to ensure that the new ships will be at the forefront when it comes to using new environmental technology vessel solutions and propulsion systems. Hurtigruten will be foremost in green shipping. Environmental considerations are put top priority and new technology will contribute to lower emissions, says Skjeldam message.

The ships are designed and developed by Rolls-Royce, with assistance from the ship designer Espen Oino. They are designed for low fuel consumption and maximum comfort aboard.

– This is innovative expedition ship with advanced environmental technology that takes guests to the unique and distinctive destinations. It is very inspiring to be involved in the realization of Hurtigruten’s ambitions in this area, says Rasmussen.