Hurtigruten Cruises, based in Narvik, Norway, has entered into a Memorandum of understanding involving the construction of two ships with options to build two additional vessels. The agreement marks the largest investment in Hurtigruten’s 120- year history and the first newbuilds in over 10 years.

The Rolls-Royce designed vessels will be built at the Kleven Verft yard in Ulsteinvik, Norway with delivery beginning in 2018. Hurtigruten’s current fleet consists of 14 ships, including four expedition-style vessels built at Kleven Verft. Norwegian ship designer Espen Øino is playing a large part in the project and both ships will be designed to operate in the arctic and Antarctic regions, as well as along the Norwegian coastline. They will be equipped with advanced environmentally friendly technology to reduce emissions and help Hurtigruten meet its sustainability goals.