Norwegian partners aim for climate-neutral coastal route

HAV Group and Havila Voyages have teamed up in a bid to establish a coastal route between Bergen and Kirkenes that is at least climate-neutral, with an ultimate aim of achieving zero emissions. The current four ships and future newbuildings will meet the requirements of the next tender period, the companies said.

Presenting the partners plans to politicians and journalists in Arendal, Havila Voyages CEO, Bent Martini, said: “We have ambitions for growth, and we want to grow on the 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 also revealed that the company is aiming for a climate-neutral coastal round trip later this year.

“Right now, 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. We are in dialogue with suppliers to secure sufficient volumes to be able to fill the tanks 100% with biogas, and we believe we will succeed.”