The Norwegian cruise line Havila Voyages has announced plans to launch a twelve-day climate-neutral cruise this autumn, sailing the coastal route from Bergen to Kirkenes. If successful, the upcoming journey would be the longest climate-neutral cruise ever attempted.
The project builds on Havila’s five-day climate-neutral crossing from Saint-Nazaire to Copenhagen in 2023. This time, the ships will rely on a combination of biogas and giant battery packs.
“We are in the planning phase to test a full round voyage on the coastal route this fall, using biogas in combination with our large battery packs,” Havila Voyages CEO Bent Martini explained at last week’s Arendalsuka political conference in Norway.
Martini admitted that the challenge lies in sourcing sufficient volumes of biogas, which requires heavy investment. “The technology exists,” Martini emphasised. “What is needed is the will to invest. With strict environmental requirements from the authorities, those who want to operate the coastal route will be forced to deliver.”
If the project is successful, Havila Voyages will complete the full 5,000-nautical-mile coastal ©route ‘climate neutrally’. Martini added that “the ships on the coastal route will be the spearhead of the green transition in shipping and create synergies for other parts of the industry.”
Beyond the technological upgrades, the journey is expected to be a more pleasant experience for passengers. When operating on battery power, the ship sails in almost complete silence with zero emissions, allowing passengers to enjoy the crisp fjord air.
Havila has already operated emission-free journeys using its battery systems, and is working with HAV Group, a marine technology provider, to make its fleet climate-neutral and, ultimately, zero-emission.
The distinction between climate neutrality and carbon neutrality is important. Carbon neutrality focuses on balancing carbon dioxide (CO₂), the main gas produced by burning fuel, through reductions and offsets. Climate neutrality, on the other hand, addresses the entire spectrum of greenhouse gases, including methane and nitrous oxide, through reductions, alternative fuels and offsets, with the aim of achieving no overall impact on the climate.
Cruise lines are one of the most carbon-intensive forms of travel and face growing scrutiny over their carbon footprint. A long-haul flight emits around 80 grams of CO₂ per passenger kilometre, whereas a train emits around 41 grams and cruise ships average roughly 250 grams. Public pressure, regulations and lobbying have prompted operators to explore cleaner technologies.
Norway itself is tightening regulations. From 1 January 2026, all ships sailing in its UNESCO-protected fjords must be zero-emission, and larger vessels have until 2032 to comply. This is one of the strictest regulations in the world, and it positions Norway’s fjords as a testing ground for the green transition of the cruise industry.
Havila is not the only company in the cruise industry attempting to innovate in this area. Norwegian rival Hurtigruten is developing a zero-emission ship for 2030, while Viking, which is headquartered in Switzerland, is collaborating with the Italian shipyard Fincantieri to build the world’s first hydrogen-powered cruise ship.
