World’s First At Port Of Halifax
HALIFAX – The world’s first hybrid cruise ship made a stop in Halifax on September 17.
The MS Roald Amundsen, which is operated by the Norwegian “adventure travel” company Hurtigruten, arrived early Saturday morning at the Port of Halifax.
The ship was built by Kleven Yards in Norway and has been sailing since July 2019. It reduces its environmental impact by using battery power and electric propulsion to support its low-emission engines.
Excess energy from the ship’s engines is stored in battery packs, allowing the ship to operate for short periods on just electric power. That green technology helps the vessel cut its fuel consumption and carbon emissions by 20 percent.
The 140-metre-long ship is also the first cruise vessel to be christened in Antarctica, fitting, since it’s named after the first person to cross Antarctica and reach the South Pole.
The location of its christening was also a nod to the ship’s specialized design that allows it to sail the world’s coldest waters. The Ronald Amundsen was the first hybrid ship to sail the Northwest Passage.
Hurtigruten sailed the ship into Halifax on Saturday carrying approximately 500 passengers.