Rolls-Royce, Hurtigruten to provide gas power to cruise ships

Norwegian expedition cruise operator Hurtigruten and Rolls-Royce signed a Letter of Intent for an environmental upgrade programme to hybrid power. Namely, the main engines on up to nine cruise ships will switch from diesel to gas power, and will also have a hybrid battery system.

According to the deal, six existing passenger cruise vessels will be equipped, with an option for a further three. The ships will change their power system with the installation of new Rolls-Royce LNG-engines as part of a new hybrid system. With the upgrade, ships will be able to reduce CO2-emissions by at least 25%.

Rolls-Royce will deliver two of its Bergen B36:45L&PG gas engines as the main engines to each ship, as well as the latest electrical power SAVe Cube system. Additional battery power will also be installed, making the ships hybrid powered and making them more environmentally-friendly.

The new tender period for the coastal route is planned to start on 1 January 2021.

Source: safety4sea