#ShorePower - Hurtigruten has announced plans to modify several of its vessels for shore power during first half of 2016.

The initiative follows a stronger environmental focus in the Norwegian company, which operates a fleet of 13 explorer vessels among them the new MS Spitsbergen. The shore power installation will significantly reduce fuel consumption and air pollution during port calls.

The company has signed an agreement of intent with the port of Bergen for development of the land-based shore power equipment – and is encouraging other ports to follow.

Initially, three vessels operating the Norwegian coast are being modified to connect to shore power installations during port calls. The first ship to be prepared for shore power is MS Kong Harald, which is currently being refurbished at Norway’s Fosen Yard.

Throughout the first half of 2016, another two vessels will have shore power installed, with the ambition to modify three more ships.

“To succeed with the green shift at sea, maritime stakeholders must commit to the objective, and cooperate. Cruise lines, ports, tech industry and politicians must pull in the same direction. A combination of incentives and regulations must guide the development of a greener industry. Shore power should be equally available in ports as the fenders are. We hope our initiative is met by quick actions in other Norwegian ports in addition to Bergen”, says Hurtigruten CEO Daniel Skjeldam.

Hurtigruten is continuously striving to reduce fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions from its operations. In addition to the shore power initiative, several other measures have been implemented the last years.

Shore power in Bergen, where the Hurtigruten ships are at berth for 8 hours daily during winter and 5, 5 hours during summer, will reduce CO2 emissions annually by almost 130 tons per ship. An annual reduction of NOx is estimated to approximately 2.5 tons.