Hurtigruten, a pioneer in sustainable Norwegian coastal voyages, has earned the top spot in the 2024 Friends of the Earth (FoE) Cruise Ship Report Card with a B+ rating, the highest score awarded this year.
This accolade highlights Hurtigruten’s commitment to environmentally responsible maritime travel and its leadership in setting higher standards for the cruise industry.
Leading the charge for sustainable cruising
The 2024 Cruise Ship Report Card assessed 21 global cruise operators on key environmental practices, including pollution prevention, wastewater management, and transparency in sustainability efforts. Hurtigruten’s recognition reflects years of dedicated effort to drive meaningful progress in an industry often criticised for its environmental impact.
“Holding ourselves accountable and setting a higher standard for sustainable travel is at the core of what we do. We’re proud to be recognised as the top-ranked operator, but we understand there’s still work to be done. Progress, not perfection, is our mantra,” said Hurtigruten CEO, Hedda Felin.
Sustainability initiatives and achievements
For over a decade, Hurtigruten has been at the forefront of sustainable maritime operations, introducing impactful initiatives:
- Fleet upgrades: A €100 million investment in battery-hybrid upgrades across four ships by spring 2025.
- Eliminating harmful practices: Hurtigruten banned heavy fuel oil use in 2009 and removed single-use plastics across its fleet in 2018.
- Transparency: Publishing an annual Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) report to openly share progress and goals.
- Food waste reduction: Innovative composting initiatives have reduced food waste per passenger per cruise night from 261g to 63g since 2019.
- Support for local communities: Partnerships with 50 Norwegian farms, bakeries, and producers integrate sustainable sourcing into their operations.
Committed to emission-free cruising
Hurtigruten aims to launch its first emission-free ship by 2030, continuing its role as a leader in sustainable travel. “Investing in emission-free technology is challenging, but it’s essential to protect the Norwegian coast, which has been our home for over 130 years,” said Rikke Jorgensen, VP of Organizational Development and Sustainability.
“Hurtigruten is more than a cruise line; it’s a vital part of the coastal community,” Jorgensen added. With over 100,000 local passengers annually, freight transport across 34 ports, and authentic regional experiences, Hurtigruten blends sustainable travel with a deep connection to Norway’s heritage.
