Hurtigruten, the leader in Norwegian coastal voyages, has once again proven its commitment to sustainability and innovation, earning the top spot in the 2024 Friends of the Earth (FoE) Cruise Ship Report Card. Achieving a B+ rating, the highest awarded this year, underscores Hurtigruten’s efforts to redefine the future of eco-friendly voyages.

This prestigious ranking reflects Hurtigruten’s dedication to environmental stewardship and responsible travel. The 2024 Report Card assessed 21 global cruise operators on key environmental metrics, including pollution prevention, wastewater management, and sustainability transparency. 
“We are proud to be recognized as the top-ranked operator. This achievement reflects our unwavering commitment to setting a higher standard for more sustainable travel. We don’t claim perfection, but progress,” said Hedda Felin, CEO of Hurtigruten.

With over 130 years of experience navigating Norway’s coasts, Hurtigruten understands the importance of protecting its home. Rikke Jørgensen, VP of Organizational Development and Sustainability, highlighted the company’s bold vision:
“Our goal is to have our first emission-free ship in service by 2030. But we’re not waiting until then – we’re already making significant strides in reducing our carbon footprint and implementing sustainable practices across our operations.”

Hurtigruten’s sustainability plans are marked by ambitious initiatives that set new benchmarks for the cruise industry:

Transparency and Accountability: Each year, Hurtigruten releases a comprehensive ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) report, showcasing its dedication to transparency and progress toward sustainability goals.
€100 Million Fleet Upgrade Programme: In a monumental effort to reduce emissions, Hurtigruten has invested nearly €100 million in fleet upgrades, including battery-hybrid technology set to roll out across four ships by Spring 2025.

Supporting Local Communities: Hurtigruten’s commitment goes beyond environmental practices. The company collaborates with 50 local farms, bakeries, and producers, creating a positive impact in Norwegian communities. An innovative composting project in Stamsund has reduced food waste significantly, cutting it from 261g to just 63g per passenger per cruise night.

Pioneering Plastic and Fuel Bans: Long before sustainability became an industry buzzword, Hurtigruten banned non-essential single-use plastics in 2018 and heavy fuel oil back in 2009, setting a gold standard for responsible cruising.

“Hurtigruten is not just a cruise line; we’re an integral part of Norwegian coastal communities,” Jørgensen added. “Our commitment to investing in emission-free technology is not just about business—it’s about our guests, our stakeholders, and the future of our planet. The urgency of the environmental crisis demands decisive action, and we are proud to lead the way.”