Hurtigruten hybrids to hit emissions targets

As reported, the company has won the right to operate seven out of 11 vessels on the Bergen to Kirkenes route from 2021 and has contracted Rolls-Royce to supply the LNG-battery conversion packages, including Bergen pure gas engines. The government, which also awarded Havila Kyrstruten the right to operate four ships on the route, demanded a 25% reduction in emissions compared to the existing fleet, all operated by Hurtigruten.

After monitoring a sample Hurtigruten vessel’s operating profile, energy use and emissions, Rolls-Royce concluded that the existing ships – built by yards who were contracted to provide a design speed that the vessels rarely reached – were overpowered.

According to Geir Oscar Løseth, general manager, sales and advanced offerings, Rolls-Royce, the equipment supplier was convinced that the ship operator could cut installed power, fuel consumption and emissions by using the hybrid solution.

The vessels will operate on their two Bergen engines at a relatively constant high load, with batteries taking any excess load or charging when power demand is low. When approaching ports the ships will switch off one engine and finally run on pure battery power to enter the port.

The ships are being converted with LNG fuel capacity enabling them to travel a whole round trip, taking on bunkers at a single port. According to modelling by Rolls-Royce, the LNG-hybrid configuration is expected to slash emissions by 35%.

Hurtigruten has yet to announce upgrades for its seventh vessel on the route. The Havila quartet will be newly built in Spain.