UK-based maritime and logistics service provider Inchcape Shipping Services (ISS) has secured a deal to provide port agency services to Norwegian cruise line Hurtigruten.
ISS will support and advise Hurtigruten to manage its worldwide expansion plans under the deal, as well as hotel operations, shore excursions and itinerary planning up to a period of four years.
The agreement is to be supervised by ISS' Cruise Hub in Greece, and also entails the analysis of key data from the company’s YourISS2 port agency management application in order to provide Hurtigruten with greater cost control and transparency.
Cruise Hub will ensure that all ISS offices and partners are bound by its cruise key performance indicators (KPIs), which include communication, financial and service standards, to provide improved customer service.
Hurtigruten maritime operations COO and SVP Tor Engebretsen said: “We are very pleased to establish a close and global co-operation with the leading maritime service provider, strengthening our operation with ISS’ knowledge and dedicated focus towards our specialised part of the industry.
“We have rapid expansion plans, further strengthening Hurtigruten’s position as the world leader in expedition travel.
“With the introduction of our ground-breaking new vessels, the world’s first hybrid powered explorer ships, we have even more possibilities in our future global expansion.”
The company currently operates along Norway’s western and northern coast and offers explorer cruises to Antarctica, Greenland and Iceland. It aims to include three vessels in the expansion of its Antarctica operation for the upcoming 2018 season as part of its new growth plan.
Hurtigruten is also focusing on its Canadian Arctic operation, and is planning an extensive programme for the Extreme Northern Europe region.
Image: A cruising Hurtigruten vessel. Photo: courtesy of Inchcape Shipping Services.
