Published on
October 4, 2025
One of the most sustainable travel projects in the world, Hurtigruten has just announced the date of their first-ever climate-neutral biofuel voyage, taking the MS Richard With on the monumental journey down the serene Norwegian coast on the first leg of the voyage, covering 4000 km, about 2485 miles. Passengers, along with Hurtigruten, will be on board along with four hundred and fifty eight other of the ships’ passengers. This marvel of engineering, capable of operating on both fuel as well as bateris is a serious step forward for the company’s beta travel systems.
The ship will make its way from Bergen to Kirkenes and back, a popular route that has long attracted tourists seeking to explore Norway’s dramatic landscapes. What makes this sailing unique is the use of HVO100 (Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil), a biofuel made from renewable waste materials that are naturally part of the environmental cycle, ensuring the voyage is completely climate-neutral. The biofuel, sourced from Nordic energy supplier St1, offers a promising solution for reducing carbon emissions in the maritime industry, which is a significant contributor to global pollution.
A Step Toward Achieving Norway’s Climate Goals
This pioneering initiative is not only a key step in Hurtigruten’s sustainability efforts but also plays a pivotal role in Norway’s ambitious climate goals. Hedda Felin, CEO of Hurtigruten, highlighted the importance of such initiatives in reducing emissions, saying that the company is committed to leading the industry by example. She stated that while Hurtigruten’s ships have already been using blended biofuels, this voyage will be the first to rely entirely on 100 percent advanced biofuel.
In addition to the biofuel, the MS Richard With will also be connected to shore power when available, further reducing its carbon footprint during the journey. This move signals a shift towards more responsible and energy-efficient tourism in Norway, a country that already leads in sustainability and green tourism.
A Game-Changer for Tourism and Passenger Travel
The 4,000-kilometre sailing will offer passengers a unique opportunity to experience Norway’s beautiful coastline while contributing to a greener planet. For tourists, this climate-neutral voyage is a significant leap forward in sustainable tourism, as more travellers seek eco-friendly alternatives when choosing their vacation destinations and transportation options.
The environmentally conscious sailing is expected to attract more tourists to Norway, particularly those who prioritise sustainability in their travel choices. In a world where climate change concerns are at the forefront of global dialogue, Hurtigruten’s move is set to make waves within the tourism sector, positioning Norway as a leader in green travel. The use of biofuels also addresses a growing demand for environmentally friendly travel options, which is becoming increasingly important to modern tourists.
By showcasing this eco-friendly option, Hurtigruten aims to inspire other cruise lines and travel operators to adopt similar sustainable practices, further boosting the tourism industry’s focus on reducing its environmental impact. In the long term, this can foster a positive cycle of eco-tourism in Norway, where sustainable practices are not just a trend, but a core component of the country’s tourism infrastructure.
Hurtigruten’s Future Vision: Sustainable Innovation
Looking ahead, Hurtigruten is also investing in a groundbreaking research and development program called Sea Zero. This initiative aims to design ships that can operate with zero emissions. Hurtigruten’s ambitious vision includes developing ships that can reduce total energy demand by 40 to 50 percent, using batteries as the primary power source, complemented by innovations such as sails, air lubrication of hulls, and contra-rotating propellers.
This programme promises to transform the future of maritime travel and further solidify Hurtigruten’s position as a leader in sustainable cruising. With these new vessels, the company plans to drastically reduce their environmental impact while providing passengers with a luxurious and memorable experience.
Encouraging Green Tourism through Innovation
Hurtigruten’s climate-neutral biofuel sailing and its commitment to further environmental innovation are likely to play a key role in boosting the Norwegian tourism sector. As sustainable travel continues to gain traction worldwide, more tourists are likely to choose destinations and services that are aligned with their eco-conscious values. By embracing new technologies and biofuels, Hurtigruten not only enhances the passenger experience but also helps contribute to a cleaner, greener future for the tourism industry.
Moreover, by implementing shore power and utilising renewable energy sources, Hurtigruten’s climate-neutral voyage could serve as a model for other regions and cruise lines looking to make their operations more sustainable, ultimately driving growth in eco-tourism across Europe and beyond.
As sustainability becomes an essential consideration for travellers, Hurtigruten’s initiative marks a turning point in the way people think about tourism. Tourists looking to visit Norway will now have a compelling new reason to consider this environmentally responsible cruise. With the rise of green travel, more regions and operators will likely follow in Hurtigruten’s wake, making responsible tourism not just a trend, but the future of the industry.
The Future Possibilities of Sustainable Tourism in Norway
Hurtigruten’s sailing on biofuel which is climate-neutral is not merely a show of commitment; it’s a bold and innovative stride in addressing climate challenges within Norway’s cruise and tourism industry. Travellers’ increasing awareness of their footprints means that initiatives like these will be a mainstay in bringing eco-conscious tourists and helping them create stories of green journeys. With her incredible topography and a champion in sustainable development, Norway will be at the leading edge of a new exciting period of eco-tourism development.
Image Credit: Hurtigruten
