Gasnor to supply LNG to Hurtigruten vessels until 2030

Norwegian expedition cruise operator Hurtigruten has agreed a long-term LNG supply deal for its vessels with Shell’s unit Gasnor.

Gasnor said that it would supply LNG to Hurtigruten’s ships along the Norwegian coast until 2030.

According to the company’s statement, Hurtigruten is scheduled to start rebuilding six vessels from this winter to run on a combination of LNG, battery packs, and liquid biogas (LBG) – replacing engines which run on marine gas oil.

The vessels in question are the MS Nord-Norge, MS Nordlys, MS Nordkapp, MS Kong Harald, MS Richard With, and MS Polarlys – first of which is set to sail along the Norwegian coast from 2020.

LNG as a fuel has the potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions significantly. In combination with battery packs and biogas, emissions will be additionally reduced. The vessels are also prepared for shore power.

Bunkering of Hurtigruten’s gas-powered vessels will take place in Bergen utilizing a custom-built bunkering vessel and gas from Gasnor’s production plant in Øygarden.

Earlier this year, Hurtigruten hired marine solutions company and system integration expert Høglund to deliver biogas-ready fuel-gas supply systems (FGSS) for six passenger vessels.