Hurtigruten Expeditions’ battery-hybrid powered MS Fridtjof Nansen has won the title as the safest and most sustainable cruise ship in the world among a field of 400 cruise ships.
Scope ESG Analysis, a European provider of ESG (environmental, social, and governance) analysis, performed an in-depth assessment of the 400 cruise ships.
The independent ranking is published in cooperation between Scope and European current affairs magazine Stern. According to Stern and Scope, they 'want to offer environmentally conscious travellers a decision-making aid and an incentive for the cruise industry to continue to invest in sustainability and safety."
At the top of the list was Hurtigruten Expeditions’ battery-hybrid powered expedition cruise ship MS Fridtjof Nansen, which is equipped with large battery packs, shore power connection and a range of green technology. MS Fridtjof Nansen and her identical sister ship MS Roald Amundsen are the world’s first battery-hybrid powered cruise ships, as well as the front-runners in the cruise line's growing fleet of smaller, more sustainable expedition cruise ships.
“To be recognised for our commitment towards sustainability and safety by such a world-renowned ratings agency is a fantastic endorsement and testament to our commitments to operate as sustainable as possible," said Asta Lassesen, CEO of Hurtigruten Expeditions.
"This is also recognition our crew and staff and their hard work, making us a little bit better, a little bit more sustainable while creating unique experiences with our guests every single day.”
Lassesen added, “We will continue to work closely with local communities, authorities and industry partners to drive change and move boundaries while at the same time utilize the best solutions available today. Our ultimate goal is to operate completely emission free. A recognition like this is a huge boost not only to achieve our goals, but to get there faster and smarter.”
Scope and Stern’s cruise ship ranking is 70 per cent based on a score for sustainability, and 30 per cent on safety. For sustainability, the score is calculated based on a number of criteria, such as CO2 emissions (with different target values set for different types, sizes and years of construction for ships), use of emission and water purification systems, limitations on operations, and disposal of waste.
For safety, the criteria such as quality of ship and the operator, results from port state controls, and incidents were taken into consideration.
Hurtigruten recently welcomed MS Fridtjof Nansen into its fleet in a ceremony in the Arctic Archipelago of Svalbard on 14SEP, which also celebrated the cruise line's 125th anniversary.
For more information on Hurtigruten Expeditions, visit its web site.
