World’s first hybrid cruise ship arrives in Portsmouth

The world’s first hybrid cruise ship, MS Fridjtof Nansen, arrived in Portsmouth yesterday. Owned by expedition cruise line Hurtigruten, the arrival of this brand new battery powered hybrid vessel marks the company’s debut visit to Portsmouth International Port, according to Business Hampshire.

Named after Norwegian polar explorer, Fridtjof Nansen, this state-of-the-art ship arrived into Portsmouth as part of a series of UK showcase sailings ahead of her inaugural sailing in April. Its custom design is built to explore the most remote and spectacular areas of the planet, from Antarctica to Greenland.

The vessel has a passenger capacity of 530 and features fine-dining restaurants, a science centre and a gym.

Mike Sellers, Portsmouth International Port’s director says: “We’re proud to welcome one of Hurtigruten’s game changing ships, as all eyes are on the hotly anticipated MS Fridtjof Nansen making its first appearance. This environmentally advanced cruise ship is leading the way for innovative green initiatives and complements our ambition to become one of the UK’s most sustainable ports.

“The arrival in Portsmouth is one of the first opportunities to see the brand-new vessel as she begins her inaugural sailings.”

Anthony Daniels, UK GM for Hurtigruten says: “We are delighted to have been able to include Portsmouth International Port in our UK Showcase Sailings for the MS Fridtjof Nansen. Sustainability is at the core of our operation and with the introduction of our second hybrid ship we hope to continue to set the benchmark in the cruise industry as leaders in sustainable cruising.”

MS Fridtjof Nansen will be making a series of visits to Portsmouth International Port as part of its pre-inaugural voyages, this includes calls on Sunday 8 and Tuesday 17 March, according to Business Hampshire.

Hurtigruten is known for its signature Antarctica cruises and the new vessel will join its sister ship, MS Roald Amundsen, for the 2020/21 polar exploration season.