World's longest climate-neutral voyage to be set sail by Havila

In a bid to minimize their impact on the environment, cruise lines are turning to climate-neutral solutions. This approach aims to achieve no overall impact on the climate, a challenge that has been taken up by several companies, most notably Havila Voyages and Norwegian rival Hurtigruten.

Havila Voyages' CEO, Bent Martini, has stated that the ships on the coastal route will be the spearhead of the green transition in shipping. The company plans to launch a twelve-day climate-neutral cruise from Bergen to Kirkenes this autumn. Martini emphasized that the technology for climate-neutral cruises exists, what is needed is the will to invest, particularly in sourcing sufficient volumes of biogas.

The cruise will rely on a combination of biogas and giant battery packs. Havila is collaborating with HAV Group to make its fleet climate-neutral and eventually zero-emission. If successful, this will be the longest climate-neutral cruise ever attempted.

Norway is tightening regulations for ships sailing in its fjords, with larger vessels having until 2032 to comply. From 2026, all ships sailing in Norway's UNESCO-protected fjords must be zero-emission, making Norway's fjords a testing ground for the green transition of the cruise industry.

Cruise lines are one of the most carbon-intensive forms of travel, emitting roughly 250 grams of CO2 per passenger kilometre. Public pressure, regulations, and lobbying have prompted operators in the cruise industry to explore cleaner technologies.

Viking, headquartered in Switzerland, is collaborating with Italian shipyard Fincantieri to build the world's first hydrogen-powered cruise ship. Meanwhile, Norwegian company Hurtigruten plans to launch an emissions-free cruise ship by 2030, using a 60-megawatt system and aiming for a completely climate-neutral 12-day route Bergen-Kirkenes-Bergen.

Operating on battery power allows the ship to sail in almost complete silence with zero emissions. Passengers can enjoy the crisp fjord air during the climate-neutral cruise, a unique experience that combines environmental responsibility with the beauty of Norway's natural landscapes.

The distinction between climate neutrality and carbon neutrality is that climate neutrality addresses the entire spectrum of greenhouse gases, while carbon neutrality focuses on balancing carbon dioxide. This broader approach is essential for mitigating the effects of climate change, as it considers all greenhouse gases, not just carbon dioxide.

The challenge of sourcing sufficient volumes of biogas remains, but with the will to invest and the advancements in technology, the future of climate-neutral cruises looks promising. Norway, with its stringent regulations and commitment to the green transition, is leading the way in this exciting new chapter for the cruise industry.