Transparent Hurtigruten

HURTIGRUTEN Cruises has released its annual ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) report, confirming the group’s commitment to achieving new science-based targets.

CEO Daniel Skjeldam (pictured)

said the report highlighted the need to make emissions reductions the number one goal for travel companies, calling for greater transparency from the industry - especially from cruise ship operators.

“We operate in an industry which negatively impacts the environment, so we have a collective responsibility to be more transparent and accountable when it comes to our natural and social impact.

“Sustainability is not a marketing exercise; it’s a core part of our business,” he said.

“It’s a licence to operate and, more importantly, it’s the right thing to do.”

Key achievements highlighted in the Hurtigruten report include the launch of its third batteryhybrid ship, MS O o Sverdrup,

while sister vessel MS Fridtjof Nansen was named the world’s most sustainable ship by Scope ESG and Stern Magazine.

The company’s Norwegian coastal division initiated “Europe’s most environmental fleet upgrade” to reduce emissions from its fleet by 25%, while a new partnership between Hurtigruten Svalbard and Volvo Penta will see the development of its first hybrid day cruise vessel.

“I’m extremely proud of our colleagues, both at land and sea, for achieving many ESG successes despite operating in a pandemic.

“We have been a first mover on sustainability for decades, and we’ll continue to be a catalyst for change towards a greener travel industry - to protect what we love today, tomorrow and into the future,” Skjeldam added.

The report also reiterates Hurtiguten Group’s strong intentions towards sustainable travel going forward, with the planned launch of the first zero emission ship on the Norwegian coast by 2030 (CW 01 Apr), a transition to fully carbon neutral operations by 2040, and ultimately for the company to become completely emissions free by 2050.

Skjeldam said the targets were core components of Hurtigruten’s long-term business strategy, intended to create value for investors in the business.

The Hurtigruten ESG report can be viewed by CLICKING HERE.