Hurtigruten inks four ship MOU with Kleven

APRIL 22, 2016 — Norwegian cruise ship operator Hurtigruten has signed an MOU with shipbuilder Kleven covering the construction of up to four advanced expedition ships for polar waters that would would also be suitable for Hurtigruten’s Norwegian coastal routes.

The initial agreement is for the construction of two ships — the first set for delivery in time for the 2018 summer season —and includes options for two more.

The ships will have ice strengthened hulls, accommodations for 600 passengers in 300 cabins and will have a length of 140 m, width of  23 m, height of 29 m and draft of 5.3 m.

Described as “innovative expedition ships with advanced environmental technology that takes guests to unique and distinctive destinations,” the ships are designed by Rolls-Royce with input from well known Norwegian designer Espen Øino.