9 March 2020
The Port of Dover welcomed Hurtigruten’s brand new hybrid battery powered expedition cruise ship MS Fridtjof Nansen into the Port for the first time on Friday for a special showcase call ahead of her inaugural voyages.
MS Fridtjof Nansen is packed with green technology and large battery packs and is, alongside her sister ship MS Roald Amundsen, the world’s first battery-hybrid powered cruise ship.
Her call comes ahead of next year’s official launch of the Port’s brand new venture with Hurtigruten. For the first time in their 127-year history, Hurtigruten will offer winter sailings from Dover, with the Port becoming the UK homeport of the MS Trollfjord for her 2021/2022 Norway Expedition programme.
Sonia Limbrick, Head of Cruise at the Port of Dover said: “We are thrilled to welcome Hurtigruten here today and host such an extraordinary cruise ship ahead of her inaugural voyage. With their environmentally friendly and sustainable approach, Hurtigruten represent everything that Port of Dover Cruise champions.
I’m really excited that we have had a glimpse of what is to come, as we prepare to launch our new adventure with Hurtigruten next year, welcoming MS Trollfjord for 13 turnaround calls over the 2021/2022 season. Her visits will mark the first ever official winter season here.”
Anthony Daniels, UK General Manager for Hurtigruten said: “We are delighted to have been able to include the Port of Dover in our UK Showcase Sailings for the MS Fridtjof Nansen. Sustainability is at the core of our operation and with the introduction of our second hybrid ship we hope to continue to set the benchmark in the cruise industry as leaders in sustainable cruising.”
From cliffs to fjords – Hurtigruten’s Norway Expeditions from Dover will commence in October 2021 and be available through to March 2022.