Rolls-Royce to Design New Polar Cruise Ships for Hurtigruten

Rolls-Royce says the new expedition vessels for Hurtigruten will be super-efficient and environmentally friendly. Image: Rolls-Royce

Rolls-Royce has signed a contract worth about $33 million with Norwegian shipbuilder Kleven to design and equip two new polar cruise ships.

The contract between Kleven and Rolls-Royce follows the conversion of a letter of intent into a firm contract signed between Kleven and Hurtigruten. The contract includes an option for two additional vessels.

“The ships soon about to take shape in the docks of Kleven will be striking,” commented Daniel Skjeldam, CEO of Hurtigruten. “They will attract interest to both the Norwegian ship building industry and to Hurtigruten as a leading player within the field of explorer tourism. To me, this contract is proof of the combined innovation powers of Norway’s maritime industry and the country’s growing tourism industry. Together we are providing growth along the long and beautiful Norwegian coastline.”

In addition to the ship design, Rolls-Royce will supply an package of technology and equipment, including Rolls-Royce’s Unified Bridge solution, which represents a complete redesign of the ship bridge environment. Consoles, levers and software interfaces will have a common look and feel, resulting in a more comfortable, clutter-free and ultimately more safe and efficient working environment for the captain and bridge team, says Rolls-Royce.

“Hurtigruten and Kleven have agreed to build state-of the art passenger vessels, and Rolls-Royce will provide some of the most innovate ship technology on the market today. I’m confident that these new polar cruise vessels will bring the proud heritage of the Hurtigruten into a similarly proud future,” said Helge Gjerde, Director of Offshore and Merchant Solutions at Rolls-Royce.

Delivery of the vessels is planned for early 2018. 

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