Norwegian cruise operator Havila Voyages is preparing to launch what it claims as the first-ever biogas-powered cruise along Norway’s coastal route.
The climate-neutral voyage is scheduled to depart Bergen on 30 November, covering a 12-day roundtrip along the scenic Norwegian coastline.
The vessel, Havila Polaris, will be supplied with 200 cubic metres of liquefied biogas at Polarbase near Hammerfest on 26 November, followed by an additional 150 cubic metres in Bergen. Combined with the ship’s onboard battery storage, the fuel will be sufficient to complete the entire journey sustainably.
Havila Voyages’ CEO, Bent Martini, highlighted the environmental benefits of using biogas in combination with the ship’s existing liquefied natural gas (LNG) system. “This voyage demonstrates that it is possible to operate the full coastal route with minimal climate impact,” he said. “The biogas will reduce greenhouse gas emissions for this trip by more than 90 per cent compared with conventional fossil fuels.”
The company plans to gradually transition its fleet to biogas-only operation by 2028, sourcing the fuel along Norway’s coastline to support local supply chains and jobs. Martini emphasised the importance of locally produced energy for both environmental and economic reasons, noting that it strengthens communities along the route.
Havila Voyages currently operates four ships using a mix of LNG and large battery packs. The use of biogas, he explained, offers advantages over biodiesel, including elimination of nitrogen and sulfur oxide emissions, improving air quality at the 34 ports the fleet calls at along the coast.
“While biodiesel helps reduce emissions, biogas provides an even greater environmental benefit, cutting both CO₂ and local pollutants entirely,” Martini added. He also suggested that stricter fuel requirements could be implemented immediately in future Norwegian coastal route contracts, based on the success of this biogas trial.
Havila Voyages sets sail on world-first biogas-powered coastal cruise
