Norwegian cruise line Hurtigruten has ordered another hybrid-powered expedition cruise ship from compatriot shipbuilder Kleven.
The duo has signed a memorandum of understanding for the construction of Hurtigruten’s third such vessel.
As informed, the newbuilding is scheduled for delivery in Q2 2021.
Hurtigruten has two 15,000-ton hybrid-powered vessels, MS Roald Amundsen and MS Fridtjof Nansen , on order at Kleven. The new ship’s design, construction, engineering and technology will be based on the two ships currently under construction, according to Kleven.
The new vessel, accommodating 530 passengers, will be custom built for some of the most extreme conditions on the planet, with specially designed, ice-strengthened hull. Among the green features are substantially larger battery packs to make expedition voyages even more sustainable.
The Hurtigruten-Kleven agreement is subject to certain contingencies, which is expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2019.
Earlier this year, Hurtigruten became a majority shareholder of Kleven. In June, Hurtigruten explained that the move would provide the company with the space needed to focus on constructing new ships and to prepare Kleven for future growth.