Hurtigruten has launched its new hybrid-powered expedition ship, MS Roald Amundsen, at the Kleven Yard in Ulsteinvik, Norway.
MS Roald Amundsen is 140m-long and 23.6m-wide, and will be fitted with large battery packs in order to reduce its emissions.
The 20t ship will be able to carry a total of 530 guests and 151 crew members.
The PC-6 ice class ship will feature a 5.3m draft and 265 cabins. It has been designed to sail at a speed of 15k and will operate under the Norwegian flag.
Hurtigrutens is also currently constructing another, similar vessel at the Kleven Yard, known as MS Fridtjof Nansen.
MS Roald Amundsen is scheduled to debut this year, with MS Fridtjof Nansen set to follow in 2019.
Hurtigruten CEO Daniel Skjeldam said: “With the great explorers deeply rooted in our history and heritage, Hurtigruten aims to be one step ahead when exploring the world.
“Our new ships will be moving boundaries for the technology, for the industry and for our guests.”
Hurtigrute noted that both MS Fridtjof Nansen and MS Roald Amundsen will feature two-level indoor / outdoor observation decks, which will wrap around the top of the ships’ raked bow.
The ships will also be equipped with several technologies and high-tech systems, including touchscreens, science equipment and an immersive ‘edutainment’ area, as well as lecture spaces, a small library and speciality areas for workshops in photography, biology and other subjects.
The cabins and public areas will be created using Scandinavian materials such as granite, oak, birch and wool.
All cabins will be outward-facing, with 50% featuring private balconies. The vessels’ Aft suites will include private outdoor hot tubs offering spectacular views.
In addition, the ships will feature custom-built expedition equipment, various dining options and a variety of other features.
