Hav Group and Havila Voyages have formed a partnership to develop a coastal route fleet that will achieve climate neutrality, with a further goal of ultimately achieving zero emissions. The collaboration combines Havila’s current four-ship fleet with planned newbuilds.
"We have ambitions for growth, and we want to grow on the coastal route,” said Bent Martini, CEO of Havila Voyages, who outlined the company's expansion strategy for the Bergen-Kirkenes-Bergen coastal route. “And we want to grow with a fleet consisting of ships that can meet the environmental requirements of the future, which we expect and hope the authorities will set in the new contract. Our message to politicians and decision-makers is clear: Climate neutrality should be an absolute minimum in the next contract. And we will deliver on that from day one."
Martini emphasized that current technology can meet stricter environmental requirements and urged politicians to maintain environmental standards.
"If Norwegian authorities are serious about their environmental ambitions, the ships on the coastal route can be a beacon for the green transition in shipping and create synergies for other parts of the industry,” he said. “Technology exists, and the opportunities are there. It's about the willingness to make the necessary investments. With strict environmental requirements from the authorities, those who want to operate the coastal route will be forced to deliver."
Havila Voyages is planning a climate-neutral test voyage for this fall, combining biogas with battery technology. Martini revealed the company is in planning phases to conduct a full round voyage using biogas and large battery packs. The test would cover more than 5,000 nautical miles on the complete Bergen-Kirkenes-Bergen route.
Editor’s Note: This article was generated by AI, based on a press release distributed by Havila Voyages. It has been fact-checked and reviewed by a TravelAge West editor.
