World's Longest Climate-Neutral Cruise To Launch Along Norway's Coastline

We might just be entering a new era of guilt-free cruising. While cruise ships are often called floating hotels, they have also been under fire for their heavy carbon footprint. Now, a Norwegian company wants to change that narrative. Havila Voyages is preparing to launch what could be the world's longest climate-neutral cruise this year, and it has got the travel world buzzing.

A Climate-Friendly First

According to Time Out, Havila Voyages will debut a 12-day voyage running along Norway's stunning 9,260 km (5,753 miles) coastline, starting in Bergen and reaching Kirkenes. The route will take passengers through jaw-dropping fjords, icy Arctic landscapes, and even offer a chance to spot the Northern Lights.

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The big deal? The entire journey is designed to be climate-neutral. That means using a mix of massive battery packs and biogas – a renewable fuel made from organic waste – to balance or offset greenhouse gas emissions. It is a step towards what the company ultimately hopes to achieve by 2030: sailing the same route with zero emissions.

What “Climate-Neutral” Really Means

As explained by Euro News, it doesn't mean the ship runs completely without emissions – at least not yet. Instead, it uses cleaner fuels and battery storage to drastically reduce emissions, while balancing out what's left.

Currently, Havila's ships can already run for up to four hours solely on battery power. The new test voyage this autumn will combine these battery packs with biogas to cover the full route from Bergen to Kirkenes and back. “We are in dialogue with suppliers to secure sufficient volumes to be able to fill the tanks 100 per cent with biogas, and we believe we will succeed,” said Havila Voyages CEO Bent Martini at Norway's annual Arendalsuka political conference.

By 2030, the company's goal is to flip from climate-neutral to truly emission-free.

Photo: Pexels

Why It Matters

Cruise ships are often called out for being among the highest-emitting forms of travel. In 2022, even the world's most efficient cruise ships emitted around 250 grams of carbon dioxide per passenger per kilometre. To put that in perspective, a long-haul flight emits about 80 grams, trains about 41 grams, and ferries around 19 grams.

That gap has sparked pressure from both passengers and governments for cruise companies to clean up their act. Havila's move is one answer to those calls, showing that a greener version of cruising is possible.

Norway's Bigger Picture

Havila's project also ties into a broader national push. Norway has ambitious climate goals, including aiming for carbon neutrality by 2050. As per reports, the government is already setting up low-emission zones in popular tourist spots and offering perks to companies that cut pollution.

Martini also urged authorities to step up their role in accelerating the transition. “If Norwegian authorities are serious about their environmental ambitions, the ships on the coastal route can be a beacon for the green transition in shipping and create synergies for other parts of the industry,” he said.

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The first test run of this climate-neutral cruise is planned for autumn. If it succeeds, it could set the stage for a whole new standard in cruising. With other players like Hurtigruten and Viking also working on zero-emission ships, the race is officially on to make green cruising the norm rather than the exception.