Havila Voyages has unveiled plans for its first climate-neutral cruise scheduled for this fall. The hybrid Norwegian cruise line intends to operate a round-trip voyage from Bergen to Kirkenes using 100 percent biogas combined with its ships’ largest available battery packs.
© Havila Voyages
Bent Martini, CEO of Havila Voyages, emphasized that meeting stricter environmental standards is feasible with current technology and a commitment to invest. “The technology exists, and the opportunities are there. It’s about the willingness to make the necessary investments. With strict environmental requirements from the authorities, those who want to operate the coastal route will be forced to deliver,” Martini said.
The company is coordinating with suppliers to secure enough biogas to fill tanks for the voyage. If successful, one of Havila Voyages’ ships could demonstrate this fall that it is possible to navigate more than 5,000 nautical miles—the full Coastal Route Bergen–Kirkenes–Bergen—without net carbon emissions by relying on biogas and battery power.
© Havila Voyages
After the inaugural climate-neutral voyage, Havila Voyages plans to evaluate extending the program across all four of its sustainable vessels, reinforcing its commitment to eco-friendly cruising. The line also intends to adopt these technologies and practices for all future new-build ships, integrating biogas capability and larger battery systems as standard elements of its fleet design.
This initiative highlights a practical pathway for the cruise industry to reduce its environmental footprint by combining alternative fuels and energy storage. By proving long-distance, low-emission operation on a demanding coastal route, Havila Voyages aims to set a benchmark for operators and regulators alike while encouraging investment in sustainable marine fuels and electrification technologies.